May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Inglewood Police Department encourages the community to think about the safety of riders on two wheels and to look twice for motorcycles.
“With the lifting of the COVID-19 Pandemic stay-at-home restrictions, we understand people want to get out and about,” Chief Mark Fronterotta said. “Don’t let safety on the road go by the wayside, whether you are on two wheels or four.”
During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month the Inglewood Police Department will step up enforcement specifically geared toward stopping drivers and motorcycle riders for traffic violations that increase the risk of crashes, with additional officers deployed on May 13 and 27.
With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. To help protect riders and families, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Automobile drivers:
• Always check twice for motorcycles. Both your mirrors and blind spots. “Use your signal when changing lanes.”
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
Motorcyclists:
• Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.
• Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day. Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
Lastly, never drive/ride under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
