Newport Beach Police Department Announces
Operation Focusing on Motorcycle Safety
As part of our grant-funded Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention (STEP) activities, the Newport Beach Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Friday, December 9.
Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas that are frequented by motorcyclists and where recent traffic collisions have occurred, in an effort to reduce injuries. Education and enforcement will be targeted at drivers and motorcycle riders alike. The officers will be focused on specific offenses including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license, violations of motorcycle license endorsement, and any other dangerous activities.
Motorcycle fatalities have risen dramatically in California, showing a 28% increase over the decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, marking the highest number of deaths in the previous five years. California 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, one person died and 91 others were injured in traffic collisions involving motorcycles. The Police Department remains dedicated to preventing traffic-related deaths and injuries. We encourage everyone on the road to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when turning or changing lanes. Whether you are on two wheels – or on four – it’s your responsibility to safely share the road.
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.
