SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Friday, July 29. According to a press release from the SMPD, the operation will be done to lower deaths and injuries which are a result from motorcycle collisions. Officers will be looking and cracking down on both drivers and riders who are violating safety laws. Officers will be looking specifically for drivers and motorcyclists who are participating in violations that cause crashes.
Officers will begin their enforcement from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. According to the press release, California collision data reveals that the primary cause of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both drivers and riders.
Fatalities from motorcycle crashes increase by 28 percent in the state of California. The SMPD has identified locations where crashes are most common and police will be patrolling various areas where collisions occur in the region. Authorities remind riders and drivers to share the road and to look twice before changing lanes. Police encourage motorcycle drivers to participate in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program which is provided by the California Highway Patrol. According to the CHP’s website, the “program offers courses for new and experienced riders.”
Canyon News was unable to get in contact with Lieutenant Saul Rodriguez before print. For more information on the program and training locations you can contact 1-877-RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411) or visit their website at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com. The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
