LBPD Gathers Motorcycle Operation Numbers

The Long Beach Police Department, in an effort to improve motorcycle safety,, focusing on areas often frequented by motorcyclists and known for collision occurences.

Officers appointed to the operation, which took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., targeted enforcement for moving and equipment violations for motorcyclists. They also were on the lookout for motorcyclists and motorists that may have been impaired.

During the operation, 14 citations were handed out for helmet violations, as well as 15 citations for motorcycle moving violations.

Officers dished out 22 citations for modified exhausts, three citations for vehicle moving violation, two citations for driving out of license class, one citation for a suspended license, and one motorcyle was towed.

From 1998 to 2008, motorcycle fatalies have increased 175 percent in California. There were 204 motorcylce deaths in 1998 as opposed to 560 in 2008.

Fortunately, since 2008, the state has seen an almost 13 percent reduction, with 394 motorcycle deaths reported in 2009. The preliminary 2010 numbers report 353 motorcycle deaths, yet another drop, this time of nearly 10 percent.

The reduction in motorcycle fatalities can be partially attributed to more motorcyclists being properly licensed. In 2008, almost 63 percent of motorcycle operators killed under the age of 25 were not properly licensed.

In 2009, that amount fell to almost 18 points, down to 45.5 percent.