Long Beach police will be cracking down on motorcyclists and motorists this weekend who are found driving under the influence, speeding or making illegal turns, authorities announced Friday.
The specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9.
Extra officers will be on duty to patrol areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes happen, according to a press release.
The operations are part of an effort to lower deaths and injuries.
From 2008 to 2010, motorcycle fatalities dropped 37 percent, but then rose 23 percent by 2012, the release states.
Over the past two years, motorcycle-involved crashes resulted in 12 fatalities and 184 injuries in Long Beach.
“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,” according to the release.
The program is funded by by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Safety tips for riders include:
- See and be seen
- Ride with lights on during daylight hours
- Use your lane position to increase visibility, change lanes only when there is ample room
- Match your speed to surrounding traffic
- Always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing
Safety tips for drivers include:
- Share the road
- Look twice and motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning, or changing lanes
- Motorcyclists are allowed in carpool lanes unless prohibited by signage
- Riders are urged to obtain training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, 1.877.RIDE.411 (877.743.3411).