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Sunday, March 18, 2012

CA - CHP to use grant in reducing motorcycle-related fatalities and injuries

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.bakersfield.com/blogs/breaking_news/x1688918814/CHP-to-use-grant-in-reducing-motorcycle-related-fatalities-and-injuries
CHP to use grant in reducing motorcycle-related fatalities and injuries

 During the next several months, the California Highway Patrol will use a federal grant to assist in reducing the number of people killed and injured in motorcycle-involved collision.
Motorcycle-involved collisions have decreased significantly in California. Statistical data retrieved from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System list the number of people killed in motorcycle-involved collisions dropped 28 percent, and the number of people injured decreased by nearly 11 percent.
The most current final figures available are from 2009.
To help get the word out and continue to reduce the number of people killed and injured annually in motorcycle-involved collisions, CHP personnel are appearing at public outreach events throughout the state, distributing informational brochures, and providing traffic safety tips.
In addition, motorcycle safety and road-sharing presentations are being conducted statewide. The CHP will also launch a media campaign to highlight the motorcycle safety message.
- California Highway Patrol

http://www.the-signal.com/section/36/article/61621/ Use more caution, officers warn motorcyclists.
3 motorcycle riders killed in SCV so far this year
Motorcycle riders who think they have those winding, remote canyon roads to themselves should think again as they share the asphalt with debris, animals and falling rock, as well as other motorists, a CHP officer said Tuesday.
"Riders may want to push themselves out there but everything affects those roads," Sgt. Jeff Furman said. "They're not as well-tended as city roads. All you need for something bad to happen is to be unaware for one moment, and that's it," he said.
Speed and lack of experience are the most common factors in motorcycle crashes in the more remote canyon areas that are patrolled by the CHP, Furman said.
"Inexperienced riders may tend to over-compensate," he said. "Among other things, they might not be ready for the power of their bike."
One county traffic investigator estimated half of all local motorcycle crashes are the fault of the drivers.
"It's a combination of a lot of things, including going to fast or splitting lanes," SCV Sheriff's Station Detective Mike Shapiro said.
Since Jan. 1, there have been three reported deaths from motorcycle crashes in or around the SCV.
The last crash known to have caused the death of a motorcyclist occurred Feb. 25 on San Francisquito Canyon Road when a man riding a sports bike left the road at what may have been more than 100 mph, a CHP official said.
Statewide, motorcycle collision deaths and injuries dropped in 2009, the year the most current figures are available, according to a CHP news release, although it offered no numbers or comparison figures.
The CHP will use a federal grant, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to try lowing the number of motorcycle crash fatalities.
There are more than 1 million licensed motorcycle riders in California, the release said. 

http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/hemet/hemet-headlines-index/20120313-hemet-police-to-crack-down-on-motorcycles.ece
HEMET: Police to crack down on motorcycles
 BY JOHN ASBURY 
 The Press Enterprise
 STAFF WRITER jasbury@pe.com 
 Hemet police plan to increase enforcement on dangerous motorcyclists during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Extra officers will be on patrol in problematic areas where motorcycle crashes have occurred or where riders are known to often make illegal traffic maneuvers, Hemet police Lt. Eric Dickson said in an e-mail.
Police also will be looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Hemet police responded to 16 motorcycle crashes last year, including 16 injuries, one fatality and one DUI.