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NBPD Conducts Motorcycle Safety Operation
September 19, 2013
The Newport Beach Police Department is nearing the conclusion of a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. These operations began in August and continue through the end of September. Extra officers are on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers are looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They are 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 drop of 37 percent from 2008 to 2010, but fatalities rose nearly 18 percent in 2011. Operations like this are aimed at curbing rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back down. In 2012, Newport Beach saw 37 motorcycle-involved collisions, which resulted in 39 injuries and no fatalities. So far in 2013, Newport Beach has seen 31 such collisions, resulting in 30 injuries and one fatality. California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs.
The NBPD is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes. According to the NBPD, as the economy continues to improve, more drivers are on the road, including novice motorcycle riders who are untrained and unable to handle the power of today’s motorcycles.
The NBPD message to all drivers and motorcyclists is to share the road. Riders can obtain training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at CA-msp.org or (877) RIDE411.
