The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a special motorcycle safety enforcement operation Thursday through Sunday in an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in collisions involving motorcycles.

Extra officers will be on duty, patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes often occur. They will be looking for violations by motorcyclists and other motorists that can lead to motorcycle crashes. Officers also will be cracking down on vehicle operators who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns or committing other dangerous violations, according to a Police Department news release.

Police say California collision data shows the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by motorcyclists and other motorists. Police also remind all motorists to watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Motorcycle riders can receive training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available by calling 877-743-3411.

SIGN UP

Funding for the special enforcement program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.