More California Cities Crack Down on Motorcyclists
Last week, we reported about a planned police crackdown in Napa, California, that would affect motorcycle riders in particular. The operation placed additional officers on the streets of Napa, specifically to look out for motorcyclists who break various traffic laws, such as speeding, riding without a helmet, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, failing to yield to traffic signs and making unsafe maneuvers.
It now appears that more California cities are following Napa's example and instituting their own similar options. Case in point: Pasadena, California. Pasadena is an old and bustling community in Southern California, located just a few miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Times reports that on Sunday, Pasadena officials placed extra police on the road to cite motorcyclists for illegal and unsafe behavior, just as Napa did.
But whereas Napa has a history of motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities, Pasadena has a surprisingly clean record when it comes to motorcycle incidents. In fact, Pasadena has seen only 1 fatal motorcycle accident in 2012 so far, and there were none in 2011. The city's sole fatality actually occurred on Saturday, at the corner of Walnut Street and Meredith Avenue. A 45-year-old Pasadena man was killed when his motorcycle crashed into a Sedan that was making a left turn.
When this incident occurred, the Pasadena Police Department's motorcycle safety operation was already planned, so the timing is merely an unfortunate coincidence, but it does highlight that motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere, even in towns that have a stellar safety record. Motorcycle incidents in the state have risen 175 percent over the past 10 years, and the Pasadena Police Department was inspired by this statistic to carry out its operation.
The operation was specifically carried out in areas where motorcyclists commonly drive, and like the Napa operation, it sought to go after dangerous and illegal behaviors. If you drive a motorcycle in Pasadena or anywhere in California, always use caution, abide by the rules of the road and remember that incidents can occur at any time. More and more cities are carrying out these types of public safety operations, and your town may be next. Even if it isn't, you should always consider the importance of your own safety.
If you have already been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if one of your loved ones has been killed as a result of a crash, you may be eligible for compensation right now. You need a motorcycle injury lawyer who truly understands, and who can get you the kind of defense that you need. Don't let motorcycle injuries destroy your life.
Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing motorcycle accident victims and their families throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a motorcycle accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.
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