O.C. Sheriff’s Department operation aims to improve motorcycle safety

NEWS,FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840. EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Orange County Sheriff’s Department Operation Aims to Improve Motorcycle Safety

Careless motorists as well as riders get special scrutiny

SANTA ANA, Calif. (May 21, 2015) – Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation during the Memorial Day weekend in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or any other dangerous infraction.

Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37% from 2008 to 2010, but then rose 23% by 2012. These operations are aimed at curbing further rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward.

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. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 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. Remember, share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

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