Ride A Motorcycle In Sonoma County? Be Careful When Passing Through Santa Rosa

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- If you ride a motorcycle in Santa Rosa on Friday, you may be in store for a little extra scrutiny from police.

The Santa Rosa Police Department plans to conduct what it calls a "specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation" on Friday, March 17. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle collisions occur.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle collisions, and cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle accidents have been trending upward in the city. In 2015, the Santa Rosa Police Department handled a total of 59 motorcycle collisions; 59 people were injured and two people were killed in those collisions. Five of the collisions involved alcohol.

In 2014, Santa Rosa police handled 41 motorcycle collisions; 37 people were injured and one person was killed in those collisions. One of the collisions involved alcohol.

Operations like the one scheduled for Friday are aimed at curbing rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers of motorcycles back downward.

Safety tips for motorcycle riders include:
• Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room;
• Match your speed to surrounding traffic;
• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing;
• Ride with lights on during daylight hours.

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

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