OFF THE WIRE
http://folsomlocalnews.com/2013/05/01/folsom-police
Folsom Police Aim To Improve Motorcycle Safety
The Folsom Police Department will be conducting a specialized
Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation during the month of May in an effort to
lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas
frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be
looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to
motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular
vehicles and motorcycles who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
speeding, making illegal turns, or any other dangerous violation.
Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37 percent from
2008 to 2010, but rose nearly 18 percent in 2011. Operations like this are aimed
at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back
downward.
California collision data reveals that primary causes of
motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due
to alcohol and other drugs. The Folsom Police Department is also reminding all
motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when
turning and changing lanes.
As the economy turns upward, there will likely be more miles
driven by all vehicles, plus more novice motorcycle riders who are untrained and
unable to handle the power of today’s motorcycles. The message to all drivers
and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely
“sharing the road.” Riders 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.
