The Gilroy Police Department will focus on motorcycle safety Friday in an effort to curb the incidence of motorcycle-involved deaths and injuries within city limits.
Sgt. Pedro Espinoza said in a press release that extra officers will patrol areas frequented by motorcyclists and where crashes frequently occur, looking for unsafe driving behaviors.
Espinoza said officers will crack down on drivers and riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drive at unsafe speeds, make illegal turns and commit other violations, which are the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes, based on California collision data.
But motorcyclists should not shoulder all the responsibility for creating a safe environment on the roadways, according to Espinoza. He says it’s every motorist’s duty.
“The GPD is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes,” he said. “The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is share in the responsibility and do your part by safely sharing the road.”
According to Espinoza, funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office for Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. For more information, visit www.CA-msp.org or call (877) 743-3411.
