CA: takes advantage of NHTSA funding for motorcycle checkpoints

OFF THE WIRE
http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2011/06/folsom-enforcem.html
Folsom enforcement effort aims to reduce motorcycle fatalities

 By Cathy Locke
The Folsom Police Department will conduct a special motorcycle enforcement operation Thursday as part of an effort to continue reducing deaths and injuries.
Extra officers will be on duty, patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur, according to a Police Department news release. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations by motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Motorcycle fatalities had been on the rise in California, increasing 175 percent in 11 years, from 204 deaths in 1998 to 560 death in 2008. That trend has stopped, with data showing a 30 percent decrease in motorcycle fatalities in 2009. Despite the improvement, officials said, California remains one of three states that lead the nation in motorcyclist deaths.
According to California collision data, the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol or drugs.
The Folsom Police Department also reminds other motorists to be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.
Another factor in motorcycle-related crashes is inexperience. Between 2006 and 2008, 58 percent of motorcycle operators under the age of 25 who were killed were not properly licensed, according to the news release. Police urge motorcyclists of all ages to obtain the proper license, and to seek training and safety information.
Training is available through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. For more information and training locations, see the website at http://www.ca-msp.org/, or call (877) 743-3411.
Funding for Folsom's special enforcement program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Administration.