May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Los Angeles County, California — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. With the arrival of warmer weather, more motorcycles are taking to the roads, making it essential for everyone to stay alert to help reduce crashes and save lives.
“Motorcyclists are out in greater numbers as the weather warms, and we’re reminding everyone to share the road, Sergeant Michael Lennig said. “Most crashes involving motorcycles happen when drivers simply don’t see them. Taking a few extra seconds to look twice can prevent a tragedy.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2023, representing 15 percent of total highway fatalities for that year. In California, 583 motorcyclists were killed in 2023.
Throughout the month, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct traffic operations focused on driver behaviors that put motorcycles at risk, such as speeding, distracted driving, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way and stop sign/red light running.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
Motorcyclists
- Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
- Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
- Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Forwarded by:
Sheriff’s Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1850
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http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept Information Bureau (SIB)" AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.
"If You See Something, Say Something"
LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website
http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
