The Santa Monica Police Department will be conducting two specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations on Saturday, May 23, and Wednesday, May 27, in an effort to reduce motorcycle related deaths and injuries.
SMPD Lt. Richard Lewis said traffic Officers will provide supplemental patrol in high traffic and high collision incidence areas.
“Officers will focus on violations by motorists and riders that contribute to motorcycle crashes and fatalities,” Lewis said. “Statewide, fatalities attributed to motorcycle accidents dropped to an astounding 37 percent percent from years 2008 to 2010, but then experienced a 23 percent increase by year 2012.”
Statistics in California point out to the prevalence of traffic violations such as speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs as the primary collision factors in a majority of motorcycle related accidents, Lewis said.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Motorcycle Riders are encouraged to visit the California Motorcyclist Safety Program at www.CA-msp.org or call 1-877- Ride 411 for more information and training.
