Full Notification

Oakland, CA — The Oakland Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 in an effort to lower the number of motorcycle-related deaths and injuries and increase public awareness. Officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes have occurred in the past.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that often lead to motorcycle collisions. Officers will be on the lookout for motor vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or any other dangerous violation.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to use of alcohol and/or drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37 percent from 2008 to 2010, but then rose 23 percent by 2012. In 2013, the Oakland Police Department investigated 6 fatalities and 78 injury collisions involving motorcycle riders.

The Oakland Police Department would like to remind all motorists to be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Training for motorcyclists is available 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.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Tips for Car and Truck Drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
• Never drive while distracted.

Tips for Motorcyclists to increase your own safety
• Position yourself in the lane where you will be most visible to other drivers.
• Never drive while impaired.
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet.
• Use the motorcycle’s turn signals; it is California law.
• Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to yourself.
• Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
• Wear brightly colored protective gear.
• Use reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity.

Please do your part by safely sharing the road.
For more information, please contact Lieutenant Peter Lau of the Traffic Operations Section at 510-777-8637 or [email protected].

Or contact the Media Relations Office at 510-238-7230, [email protected].

Visit Nixle.com to receive Oakland Police Department alerts, advisories and community messages, or follow OPD on Twitter, @oaklandpoliceca.

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