Increased Santa Monica Motorcycle Enforcement on April 15

The Santa Monica Police Department is increasing motorcycle enforcement efforts to prepare for the upcoming peak motorcycling season. The Department will conduct an extra enforcement campaign on April 15, with more numbers of patrol officers assigned to areas in the city that see heavy motorcycle traffic.

Motorcycle accident lawyers point out that the enforcement campaign is part of a wider operation aimed at warning motorcyclists and motorists about the risks of motorcycle accidents in summer. Officers of the Santa Monica Police Department are especially focusing on traffic violations by motorcyclists.

They will also crack down on motorists found engaging in behaviors that increase the risks of motorcycle accidents. These behaviors include speeding, driving under the influence and distracted driving. Drunk and distracted drivers may be much less likely to spot a motorcyclist, increasing the risks of an accident. The campaign called Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation is aimed at preventing fatalities and injuries in motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle accident fatalities have been on the decline recently. For 10 years, there was a steady increase in motorcycle accident fatalities, with 550 fatalities recorded in 2008. However in 2009, these numbers dropped to 394 fatalities, a decline of 37%. The following year, the number dropped further to 352 fatalities.

Much of the decline in motorcycle accident fatalities over the past 2 years can be attributed to the lower number of improperly licensed motorcyclists on our roads. In 2008, approximately 62.7% of motorcyclists below the age of 25 did not have proper licenses. In 2009, only 45.5% of motorcyclists did not have proper licenses.

Motorcyclists, who are properly licensed, are much more likely to undergo a safety and training program before they begin motorcycling. This reduces their risks of being involved in an accident.