‘Improving Motorcycle Safety Operation’ taking place in Desert Hot Springs

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on February 23rd, 2016 in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a 5 year high. 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 alike.

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past 3 years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in 6 fatal and injury crashes.

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:

Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room

Match your speed to surrounding traffic

Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing

Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:

Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing

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