Long Beach
Police Department

On Saturday, February 28, 2015, the Long Beach Police Department’s Traffic Section conducted a Motorcycle Safety Operation. During the five-hour operation, motor officers patrolled throughout the city looking for unsafe driving by motorcyclists as well as drivers who were operating vehicles unsafely around motorcycle riders. Officers took the following enforcement actions:

• Cited fourteen (14) motorcyclists for unsafe driving
• Cited twenty-five (25) drivers for unsafe driving
• Cited seven (7) motorcyclists for non DOT approved motorcycle helmets
• Cited one (1) motorcyclist for not having a motorcycle endorsement on driver’s license
• Cited two (2) motorcyclists for a suspended license

Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37% from 2008 to 2010, but then rose 23% by 2012.  Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more raises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in 15 fatal and approximately 277 injury crashes in the City of Long Breach.

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


Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:

• Ride with lights on during daylight hours
• 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

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:

• Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
• Motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to gain training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available online or 1-877 RIDE 411 (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. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”