Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be keeping their eyes peeled on Monday for motorcyclists who are violating traffic laws.
Extra officers will be on duty for the motorcycle safety enforcement effort, which will focus on those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns or any other dangerous violation.
In the area policed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, there was a 390 percent increase in motorcyclists injured over the last 13 years with 47 injured in 1998 and 184 in 2011. There was a 300 percent increase in motorcyclists killed over the same time period with 2 killed in 1998 and 6 killed in 2011.
California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.
Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.
could our Sheriff’s Department include bicyclists who run through red lights too?