OFF THE WIRE
http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/59465 Bakersfield police conducting motorcycle safety operation
The Bakersfield Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on August 1, 2010. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where crashes occur. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175 percent in the last decade, from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008. Since April of this year two (2) motorcyclists have lost their lives in collisions on Bakersfield roadways.
Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes very often include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by motorcyclists. The Bakersfield Police Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.
Another major factor leading to motorcycle crashes is inexperience. Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information. Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license endorsement and without the skills necessary to ride safely.
Rider’s can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
