Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
September 2, 2021 5:17 PM
Santa Monica, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Friday September 3, 2021 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.
With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
- Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
- Use your signal when changing lanes.
- Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
- When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
Motorcyclists
- Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.
- Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.
- Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
- Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.
During these trying times, the safety of the community remains our top priority, and the Santa Monica Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by drivers and riders that puts the public at further risk.
Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a
grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Media Contact
Saul Rodriguez
Captain -
Saul.Rodriguez@SMGOV.NET