SMPD "Cracking Down" On Driving Violations This Week

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department will be conducting specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations this week from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 23 and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, August 25. Officers will be on the lookout for violations by drivers and riders that can lead to serious injuries, in an effort to lower death and injuries stemming from motorcycle collisions.

They will be "cracking down" on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles that are violating traffic safety laws, the press release said. California collision data shows that the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers. Special enforcement efforts will be directed towards violations similar to those mentioned.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped by over 28 percent in California since 2010. The police department has identified locations within our community where motorcycle collisions happen often, along with the violations that led to those collisions. In an effort to lower deaths and injuries, officers will be on duty patrolling areas where motorcycle traffic collisions often occur.

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program – for information and training locations are available at 1-877-743-3411 or on their website.

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