Santa Rosa police on Tuesday will be keeping a close eye on motorcyclists in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Not only will motorcyclists be cited for traffic violations but so will drivers of cars and trucks who affect the safety of motorcyclists, such as failing to yield the right of way, Police Sgt. Lance Badger warned.

He said 12 traffic officers will be patrolling the city’s main streets, looking for the violations, throughout the day until 7 p.m. And, of course, the officers will peel off to respond to emergencies as necessary.

In 2010 and 2011, he said, the department investigated 53 injury collisions involving motorcyclists.

In a news release, Badger noted motorcyclist deaths statewide rose from 204 in 1998 to 560 in 2008 but dropped to 394 in 2009 and to 353 in 2010.

Tuesday’s extra enforcement is funded through a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

UPDATE: As for those wondering whether noise will be part of the enforcement, Badger said, “Yes, it does include noise levels.”

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