Motorcycle Safety Enforcement This Weekend In South OC

DANA POINT, CA — The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation Sunday, June 30, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Extra deputies will be on duty patrolling areas in the city frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur in the city of Dana Point. Deputies will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by more than 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a five-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 a rise in motorcycle deaths, according to the department. Over the last several years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in 288 fatal and injury crashes within the Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction.

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 lanes
• Motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage
• Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcycl... or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

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