Improving Motorcycle Safety - Aim of Riverside Police Department Operation

Published: 07/21/2017

Improving Motorcycle Safety - Aim of Riverside Police Department Operation

Careless motorists as well as riders get special scrutiny

The Riverside Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation this weekend, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday July 23, 2017, 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 violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010.  In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a 5 year high.  California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.  

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward.  The Riverside Police Department identifies locations within our community where motorcycle collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions.  Last year, the City of Riverside had 91 motorcycle crashes resulting in 91 injuries and 4 fatalities.  Currently for 2017, there have been 44 motorcycle crashes with 41 injuries and 2 fatalities as a result of these crashes.  

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:

• Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
• Match your speed to surrounding traffic
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing 
• Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:

• Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
• Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/  or 1-877 RIDE 411 (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. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”  

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