Santa Rosa police on Tuesday will pay extra attention to traffic violations by motorcyclists.

Sgt. Lance Badger said extra officers will patrol the city’s main streets in an effort to catch violators — both motorcyclists and drivers of cars and trucks — with the intent of reducing the number of deaths and injuries in motorcycle accidents.

He said the patrols will be all day but officers especially will look for violations from 4 to 7 p.m. during heavy traffic volumes.

“California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs,” Badger said in a statement. “The Santa Rosa Police Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.”

He noted motorcyclist deaths had risen from 204 in 1998 to 560 in 2008 but dropped to 394 in 2009 and preliminary 2010 numbers indicated they would fall to 353. During 2010-2011, Santa Rosa police investigated 53 injury collisions involving motorcyclists, he said.

Tuesday’s extra enforcement is funded by a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety.

Here are some safety tips offered by police:

–Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

–Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

–Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle — motorcycle signals often are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

–Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

–Never drive while distracted.

For motorcyclists:

–Position yourself in the lane where you will be most visible to other drivers.

–Never driving while impaired.

–Wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet.

–Use turn signals.

–Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention.

–Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.

–Wear brightly colored protective gear.

–Use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility.

–Share the road.

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