City of Los Angeles Seeks to Increase Motorcycle Safety

In an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents occurring each year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office has initiated a new program to promote awareness and safety among drivers.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Risk Management Bureau/Traffic Services Detail kicked off its plan to promote motorcycle safety by conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on February 24, 2012 in Pico Rivera. Specifically, officers were on the lookout for drivers and motorcyclists who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sheriff's deputies were also issuing citations to drivers and motorcyclists for traffic violations that could potentially lead to a serious or fatal collision.

From 1998 to 2008, the number of motorcyclists killed on California roadways had steadily increased. In 1998, there were 204 fatal motorcycle accidents compared to 560 in 2008. Motorcycle accident deaths saw a marked decline in 2009, dropping to 394, a trend that continued into 2010, when 352 deaths were reported.

Motorcycle accident injuries and deaths have increased over the same time period in the area that is patrolled by the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. In 1998, there were 47 injuries and two deaths. In 2011, the number of injuries jumped to 184, with six motorcyclists killed in accidents.

The Sheriff's Office is hoping that increasing awareness and cracking down on motorists and riders who drive while under the influence can help to reverse this trend. The majority of motorcycle accidents resulting in injury or death on California's roadways can be attributed to drug or alcohol use, speeding and unsafe maneuvering. It's also believed that taking unlicensed drivers off the road may help to reduce the accident risk. In 2009, less than half of all California riders were properly licensed or trained to operate a motorcycle.

The California Highway Patrol administers the California Motorcycle Safety Program provides education and rider training for individuals who have a learner's permit and are seeking a motorcycle license. The program provides specialized training to an estimated 65,000 motorcyclists annually at 120 locations throughout the state. Riders may successfully obtain their California motorcycle license by completing the Basic RiderCourse. Licensed riders who are seeking to fine-tune their riding ability and enhance their decision-making skills may enroll in the RiderCourse 2. Motorcyclists who enroll in either program may also be eligible for a discount on their insurance.

When a motorcycle accident occurs, it can have a devastating impact on the victim and their family. The high cost of medical bills coupled with an inability to work due to your injuries can potentially cause financial difficulty in addition to your physical and emotional pain. If a motorcycle accident is caused through the negligent actions of another driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles is the first step in protecting your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims and their families in the Los Angeles area. For more information on filing a Los Angeles motorcycle accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658.

 

 

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