Santa Monica Police Will Be on Lookout for Traffic Violations Involving Motorcycles

By Lookout Staff

August 24, 2017 -- Santa Monica police will be cracking down Friday on those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles that are violating traffic safety laws, officials said.

The specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation -- which aims to lower deaths and injuries stemming from motorcycle collisions -- will take place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Police will focus on locations where motorcycle collisions are prevalent, officials said.

"Officers will be on the lookout for violations by drivers and riders that can lead to life altering injuries," said Lt. Saul Rodriguez, the Police Department spokesman.

According to California collision data, the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include "speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike," officials said.

Special enforcement efforts will focus on these and similar violations, police said.

In California, motorcycle fatalities have jumped by more than 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010, officials said.

According to CaliforniaBiker.org, motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle that result in serious injuries and fatalities most commonly happen because the other driver failed to see the motorcyclist.

Police are remining motorcycle riders and regular motorists "to share the road and to look twice before changing lanes," Rodriguez said.

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at 1-877-RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411) or http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com.

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.