Increased Enforcement of Reckless Motorcycle Driving NR09582gb

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation to combat reckless driving.

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, extra officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists where crashes often occur.  Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers that lead to injury and fatal motorcycle traffic collisions.

Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 91 percent from 275 killed in 2000 to 533 killed in 2008.  Fatal motorcycle traffic collisions in Los Angeles County have increased 62 percent from 70 in 2004, to 114 in 2008.  In the same period, injury motorcycle collisions have increased 47 percent from 1,996 to 2,927 in the same period.  

Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and/or other drugs by motorcyclists and other drivers.  

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcyclists, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Another major factor leading to fatal and injury motorcycle collision is inexperience.  Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information.  Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license and without the skills necessary to ride safely.

It is every motorcyclist’s responsibility to be properly licensed and have the skills necessary to ride safely.  Rider’s can receive training through the California Motorcycle Safety Program, and information is available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877-RIDE411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Training Safety through the National Highway Safety Administration.
 
For further information, please contact LAPD Traffic Coordination Section, Officer Don Inman at 213-486-0703.