Full Notification

Careless motorists as well as riders get special scrutiny; motorcycle rider training encouraged

Oakland, CA — In an effort to reduce motorcycle-related deaths and injuries, the Oakland Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Monday, May 9, 2016. Extra officers on patrol will be on the lookout for violations that can lead to motorcycle crashes. Traffic safety law violators, whether drivers or motorcyclists, can expect to receive the full attention of the law.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, a 5-year high. California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include motorcyclist or driver speeding, making unsafe turns, or impairment due to alcohol and other drugs.

Operations like the May 9 Motorcycle Safety Enforcement are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward.

Motorcycle Refresher Training May 14 and 15

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

A special Refresher Training for Experienced Riders is being offered May 14 and 15 only. To participate in the refresher training program, experienced riders with a motorcycle endorsement on their valid California driver’s license are invited to bring their street-legal motorcycle, along with proof of registration and insurance, to participating CMSP training sites. Classes will run from 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Admission fees will vary between $65 to $100, depending upon location. More information about CMSP’s experienced rider refresher training classes can be found at http://cmsp.msi5.com/

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: Share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

For more information, please contact the OPD Traffic Operations Section at 510-238-3155.

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