Police targeting motorcycle safety

Sorry if you already got your ticket, but you shouldn't be speeding anyway.

I got this last night from Hawthorne PD, but was working the Lennox bondage club killing and didn't realize this was today.

So you've been warned for the afternoon. Ride carefully:

The Hawthorne Police Department, Manhattan Beach Police Department, and Hermosa Beach Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010.  Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where crashes occur.  Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries, and fatalities.

Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175 percent in the last decade, from 204 killed in 1998, to 560 killed in 2008. The City of Hawthorne has had 2 fatal motorcycle accidents and 10 motorcycle injury accidents since 2008.

Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes often include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by motorcyclists. The Hawthorne Police Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Another major factor leading to motorcycle crashes is inexperience.  Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information.  Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license endorsement and without the skills necessary to ride safely. 

Rider's 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.