Special Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Set in Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – The Newport Beach Police Department will conduct a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Friday, March 31, with extra officers patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where recent traffic collisions have occurred.

The effort to reduce injuries is part of the grant-funded Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention (STEP) activities.

The enforcement will target drivers and motorcycle riders, alike, with a focus on such specific offenses as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license and violations of motorcycle license endorsement.

Motorcycle fatalities have risen in California, with a 28 percent increase over the decade-low of 352 in 2010 to 453 in 2013, officials said. Collision data shows that the primary causes of motorcycle-involved collisions include speeding, unsafe turning, and driver/rider impairment due to drugs or alcohol.

During the past two years in the City of Newport Beach, 66 persons were injured in traffic collisions involving motorcycles, but none of these collisions involved a fatality.

Safety tips for motorcycle 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, even during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers: Share the road

• Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning, or changing lanes
• Remember that motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes, unless prohibited by signage

Funding for these Safety Operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic and Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the agency said.

ALSO COMING UP NEARBY:

• 'Night Nation Run' - 5K Through Electronic Music Festival: Costa Mesa
• Family Hike - Dilley: Laguna Beach
• Balboa Craft Beer Festival: Newport Beach
• Art in the Park: Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach

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