LAPD Sponsors Motorcycle Safety Awareness

May 17, 2007

WHAT:
Motorcycle Safety Awareness

WHEN:
Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 9:00 A.M.

WHERE:
Southeast corner of Woodman Avenue and Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91401

* Surviving family members of a victim who expired in a motorcycle collision will be present with photo of victim. A motorcycle damaged in a collision will be on display.

WHO:
Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Councilmember District 2 and Chair of the Transportation Safety Committee
Deputy Chief Michel Moore, C.O., Operations-Valley Bureau
Captain Ronald Marbrey, C.O., Valley Traffic Division
Detective William Bustos, O.I.C., Valley Traffic Detectives

WHY:
Warm weather is upon us, gas prices continue to increase and motorcycle enthusiasts take to the streets. More motorcycles on the roadways have resulted in an increase of motorcycle rider fatalities.

There are over four million motorcycles registered in the United States. The popularity of this mode of transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle and the good fuel efficiency.

One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in a collision is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection at the time of impact. An automobile has more weight and bulk than a motorcycle. It has door beams and a roof to provide some measure of protection from impact or rollover. It has cushioning and airbags to soften impact and safety belts to hold passengers in their seats.

FURTHER:
Inquiries from media outlets, including the Spanish-speaking press, may be directed to Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Detectives, at 818-374-1920