Police Officer Holding Radar Gun
The Santa Rosa Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Friday March 17th, 2017 in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle collisions occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle collisions. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.
In 2014 The Santa Rosa Police Department handled a total of 41 motorcycle collisions. 37 people were injured and one person was killed in those collisions. One of the collisions involved alcohol. In 2015 the Santa Rosa Police Department handled a total of 59 motorcycle collisions. 59 people were injured and two people were killed in those collisions. Five of the collisions involved alcohol.
Operations like this are aimed at curbing rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers of motorcycles back downward.
Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:
• 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
• Ride with lights on during daylight hours
Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:
• Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
• Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage