The Glendale Police Dept. will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on June 22 in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes commonly occur. Officers will be monitoring motorcyclists and other types of drivers for violations that can lead to motorcycle crashes. Some of those violations include driving while under the influence, speeding, making illegal turns, distracted driving and any other dangerous moving violations.

Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37% from 2008 to 2010, but then rose 23% by 2012. Operations like the one on June 22 are aimed at curbing future rises in motorcycle deaths.

From 2012 to present, there have been 85 reported collisions involving motorcycles in Glendale, which resulted in 61 persons being injured. There was alcohol involved in six of those collisions.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs. The Glendale Police Dept. is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes. Drivers should be aware that motorcycle lane splitting is not illegal if done in a safe and prudent manner. Motorcycle riders should consult the Lane Splitting General Guidelines to learn more – www.ots.ca.gov/lanesplittinggeneralguidelines.pdf.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or by calling (877) RIDE 411 or (877) 743-3411.