The Sacramento Police Department will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in an effort to reduce the number of motorcycle related accidents and fatalities as well as to educate the community on motorcycle safety.

From the 30^th of July through the 5^th of August, the department will have officers in various locations of the City, enforcing traffic violations made by drivers of motor vehicles, including motorcyclists that could lead to collisions, injuries and fatalities.

According to the Office of Traffic Safety, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175% in the previous decade, rising from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008. Since then, we have seen a decrease in the number of motorcycle fatalities.

The Sacramento Police Department wants to remind motorcyclists to drive safely and defensively. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to seek training and to obtain 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 by calling 1-877-RIDE411 (1-877-743-3411).

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