Spike in Fountain Valley Motorcycle Accidents Prompts Crackdown

By Amber Chao

A spike in motorcycle accidents and fatal wrecks in Fountain Valley has prompted a crackdown tonight on scofflaws who put riders in danger.

Tonight the Fountain Valley Police Department will direct a specialized motorcycle safety enforcement operation in the most frequented areas where motorcycle crashes occur.

According to the department, motorcycle fatalities spiked 18 percent since 2010, reversing a downward trend. Prior to that, from 2008 to 2010, motorcycle crashes dropped 37 percent.

Two of the most accident-prone intersections in the city include Harbor Boulevard and Edinger Avenue as well as Talbert Avenue and Bushard Street.

"But crashes occur anywhere," said Fountain Valley Police Department Sgt. Desantis.

Motorcycle-involved accidents often take place when both riders and drivers are off their guard, said Desantis. Because motorcycles are relatively small and often go unnoticed, checking the mirror to watch out for them is a must for other drivers, he said.

"Motorcycle enforcement is also to let drivers know that there are motorcycles on the road, and they need to pay attention," said Desantis.

One common practice is extremely dangerous for motorcycles, said Desantis. Riders put themselves in danger when they share lanes with cars, he said. A few seconds of inattentiveness could lead to lifelong loss and suffering, Desantis said.

Other common causes of motorcycle accidents include "equipment violations, illegal turning, red-light violations and erratic driving" he added.

Desantis has seen his share of tragic accidents.

He was the first at the scene when a careless driver changed lanes and collided with a motorcyclist, a business owner who was left paralyzed afterwards.

"It doesn't take much for motorcyclists to get seriously injured," said Desantis.

Motorcyclists should have the right equipments on, wear clothes that distinguish them in the dark, and pay extra attention to other vehicles.

Because the truth is, said Desantis, "drivers don't always pay attention."