PSA, course focus on improving cyclist, driver safety
Motorcycle collisions are on the rise in California, and the
California Highway Patrol aims to raise awareness of safety during
May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
PSA, course focus on improving cyclist, driver safety
Motorcycle collisions are on the rise in California, and the California Highway Patrol aims to raise awareness of safety during May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Eight of the 10 California counties with the highest number of motorcycle collisions continued to see increases in the number of accidents from 2006 to 2007, according to numbers compiled by the CHP. Though San Benito did not make the top-10 list, neighboring Santa Clara County ranked eighth for most accidents in 2007.
“Our goal is to encourage the motoring public to be vigilant in observing motorcyclists on the road and to encourage all riders, new and returning, to get trained,” said Joe Farrow, the California Highway Patrol commissioner, in a press statement.
Preliminary numbers from 2008 indicate more than 500 motorcyclists were killed in collisions statewide.
“Home to more than 1.2 million licensed riders, every year in California thousands of motorcyclists are involved in collisions resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives,” said George Valverde, the director of the department of motor vehicles, in a press statement.
Farrow added that the No. 1 factor in motorcycle collisions is an unsafe speed.
“It is important for motorcyclists to minimize their risks by riding responsibly, always wearing a helmet and other protective gear, and never riding after consuming alcohol,” he said.
Riders can enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, which offers basic courses for beginners and an advanced riders course for those interested in sharpening their skills. The courses are offered at 124 training sites throughout the state, and are $250 for riders over 21 years. Those under 21 are required by law to take the course, and it costs $150.
For classes, call 1-877-RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411) or visit www.ca-msp.org.
The CHP will also be rolling out new public service announcements that will focus on motorcycle safety.
“The unfortunate thing is most of these collisions could be easily avoided simply by increasing awareness,” said Will Kempton, Caltrans director, in a press statement. “With a little extra vigilance, I believe we can dramatically reduce the number of lives lost in motorcycle crashes.”
Top 10 counties for motorcycle collisions (2007)
Los Angeles – 3,472
San Diego – 1,162
Orange – 980
San Bernardino – 831
Riverside – 714
Sacramento – 667
Alameda – 636
Santa Clara – 412
San Francisco – 393
Contra Costa – 335
Statewide collisions:
2007: 13,656
2006: 12,350
2005: 11,495
2004: 11,370
