Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month NR10227bb

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  In support of Motorcycle Safety Awareness, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will deploy extra officers throughout the month to patrol areas frequented by motorcyclists.  Officers will also crack down on motorcyclist traffic violations and other vehicle drivers that lead to fatal or injurious motorcycle traffic collisions.

The number of motorcycle fatalities in California increased 175 percent from 1997 to 2008.  The primary reasons for this dramatic increase were speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs by motorcyclists and other drivers.  While officials are expecting to see a decrease in the 2009 figures, they attribute any reductions to increased enforcement, an emphasis on training and the economic downturn.

Tip of the Month:  If you are new to riding or haven’t ridden a motorcycle in a while, the LAPD strongly encourages you to attend a California Motorcyclist Safety Program.  Information on this program is 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.  For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-486-0703.