Police in Whittier are planning a crackdown on motorcycle safety next week, officials said.
The specialized “Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation” will be held throughout the city on Tuesday, Whittier police Sgt. David Elizarraras said in a written statement.
“Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur,” he said. “Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes.”
Motorcycle-related deaths in California have spoked by more than 28 percent over the past decade, according to Elizarraras.
Over the past three years, Whittier police have investigated 71 motorcycle crashes that resulted in three deaths, 18 severe injuries and 50 other injuries, officials added.
“Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward,” Elizarraras said.
Funding is being provided by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, through the California Office of Traffic Safety.