The Sacramento Police Department conducted two Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations during the month of August.  The purpose of these operations was to reduce the number of motorcycle-related collisions and fatalities through education and enforcement.

The first enforcement operation was conducted August 16^th - 19.  The second operation was conducted August 28^th - 29^th.  During these operations, officers were deployed in various locations throughout the City, enforcing traffic violations made by both vehicles and motorcyclists that can cause collisions, injuries and fatalities.  The combined results of the operations are as follows:

47        Motorcycles were stopped

171      Other type of vehicles were stopped

39        Field sobriety tests were given

8         DUI Arrests were made

20       Vehicles were impounded

6         Citations issued for riders without proper endorsement

171      Citations issued for misc. violations

1          Recovered stolen motorcycle

0          Motorcycle fatalities

According to the Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175% in the last decade, rising from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008. 

The Sacramento Police Department wants to remind motorcyclists to drive safely and defensively. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to seek training and to obtain the proper license endorsement to ride. All motorists are encouraged to slow down, not drive under the influence, and drive within your own limitations.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877-RIDE411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.