OFF THE WIRE
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110426/NEWS/110429586?Title=Santa-Rosa-police-target-motorcyclists-today-
Santa Rosa police focus on motorcycle safety
By RANDI ROSSMANN THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Santa Rosa police officers Tuesday will be looking for motorcycle riders who violate traffic laws, officials reported.
More Information: Driving blog: Road Warrior They'll also focus on drivers who make moves that could endanger motorcycle riders.
Extra officers will be on patrol Tuesday throughout the city, including areas where motorcycle crashes have occurred, said traffic Sgt. Rich Celli.
The program is part of Santa Rosa Police Department's ongoing efforts to curtail crashes in the city.
California is one of three states in the country with the highest number of motorcyclist deaths, said Celli.
The number of crashes have been dropping statewide. Statistics show the number peaked in 2008 with 560 riders killed. In 2009 it dropped to 294 deaths, according to state statistics.
In Santa Rosa, department numbers from 2009 show motorcyclists had 48 crashes in Santa Rosa, causing 43 injuries and one death.
Training is offered 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.
The extra enforcement effort by Santa Rosa police is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
