Motorcycle Crackdown Planned in Napa Saturday

The Napa Police Department will conduct a special motorcycle enforcement operation Saturday, September 1, 2012 as part of an effort to continue reducing deaths and injuries.

Extra officers will be on duty, patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.  Officers will strictly enforce traffic violations by motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.

Motorcycle fatalities decreased 10.7 percent from 394 in 2009 to 352 in 2010.

In 2010, 79 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal collisions were at fault and 57 percent of motorcycle operators involved in injury collisions were at fault.

In the city of Napa, there were 10 collisions involving a motorcycle in 2011.  No fatalities were recorded in any of those collisions.  So far in 2012, there has been 16 motorcycle involved collision in Napa resulting in one death. It is the goal of the Napa Police Department to reduce the number of motorcyclist injuries and deaths. 

In 2010, 79 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal collisions were at fault and 57 percent of motorcycle operators involved in injury collisions were at fault.  According to California collision data, the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol or drugs.

Another factor in motorcycle-related crashes is inexperience.  The percentage of motorcycle operators killed that were improperly licensed increased from 32 percent in 2009 to 33 percent in 2010.  The Napa Police Department urges motorcyclists of all ages to obtain the proper license, and to seek training and safety information. 

The Napa Police Department also reminds other motorists to be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Training is available through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. For more information and training locations, see the website at www.CA-msp.org, or call (877) 743-3411.

Funding for the Napa Police Department’s special enforcement program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Administration.

Source: City of Napa Police Department.

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