Extra Livermore Police On Duty For Motorcycle Safety Operation

Expect to see extra officers from the Livermore Police Department on patrol during the month of May looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The department's spring motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road, according to the LPD. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions in Livermore have resulted in two fatalities and 57 injury crashes, according to the LPD.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015.

The following are tips from the LPD on how to stay safe on the road:

• Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them.
• Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning or changing lanes.
• Riders should make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored, protective clothing and keeping lights on during the day.
• Riders should change lanes only when there is enough room and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.
• Although lane splitting is now legal, motorcyclists should be extra careful traveling between lanes, avoiding the practice next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses and motorhomes, and factoring in lane width, traffic flow and roadway conditions.

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available here or by calling (877) RIDE-411 (877-743-3411).