Public safety officials spread tips for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

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http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_15025300?source=rss Public safety officials spread tips for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month By Maritza Velazquez, Staff Writer Posted: 05/05/2010 04:41:46 PM PDT Updated: 05/05/2010 04:59:47 PM PDT
Motorcycle officers from LA Sheriff's, Baldwin Park, Gelndora PD's and the CHP line up for news conference The California Highway Patrol and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation held a news conference at Toyota Irwindale Speedway, Wednesday, May 5, 2010, to kick off May as Motorcycle Safety Month. Look Twice for Motorcyclists is the theme of the campaign. (Correspondent photo by Mike Mullen)IRWINDALE - In an effort to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or injured in traffic collisions, public safety officials came together Wednesday in observance of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The event at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale sought to promote safety precautions for motorcyclists and motorists who share roadways.
"As long as there's one person out there having a problem with a motorcycle, we're going to be out here spreading the news," said Ty van Hooydonk, director of communications for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. "Clearly, there are not enough motorcycle riders trained. We'd also like car drivers to better understand how to drive when motorcycles are a part of the traffic mix."
Hooydonk was one of several speakers at the event, which was attended by officers from the Alhambra, Glendora and Azusa police departments, as well as the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Events all over the country are being held to promote motorcycle safety. Over the next week, Caltrans will display the message "Save a life, look twice for motorcyclists," statewide on its changeable highway signs.
According to the CHP, 111 motorcyclists were killed in traffic collisions in Los Angeles County in 2008, more than any other county in California. Statewide, 586 were killed that year and 13,252 were injured.
Among recommendations, officials stressed the importance of motorcycle safety training courses. "Studies show that trained and licensed riders are under-represented in the crash statistics, so you're improving your odds," Hooydonk said.
However, he said that half of all riders today have never taken a training course.
CHP motorcycle officer Saul Gomez said he's had many close calls when it comes to traffic hazards.
"I have close calls constantly, but I contribute the fact that I'm still here to talk about them to my training," he said. "We do get quite a bit of training as motorcycle officers. Because of that training, we're able to avoid certain situations."
Motorists were also encouraged to focus while driving, use turn signals, look over their shoulder when switching lanes and not to litter or throw anything out of their vehicles.
Officials said motorcycle riders should wear proper gear, drive defensively and avoid alcohol or drugs while driving.
"Nearly half of the riders out there who are killed on motorcycles had been drinking while riding," Hooydonk said. "Imagine that - we could eliminate nearly half of the fatalities by eliminating alcohol."