For the second time this month, Santa Rosa police on Tuesday will be targeting motorcyclists for traffic violations as well as drivers of cars and trucks who take actions that threaten the safety of motorcyclists.
On May 8, officers cited15 motorcyclists for such things as helmets, mechanical and failing to yield and issued nine warnings.
Tuesday’s all-day enforcement, funded by a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety, will involve several officers whose main focus will be motorcycle safety, although they will handle other traffic enforcement issues as well as emergency calls.
Here are tips from SRPD for motorcyclists for safety:
–Position yourself in the lane where you will be most visible to other drivers.
–Never drive while impaired.
–Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet.
–Use your turn signals.
–Using hand signals and turn signals will draw more attention to you.
–Avoid riding in poor weather.
–Wear brightly colored protective gear.
–Use reflective tape and stickers to increase your visibility.
Here are tips drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe:
–Check mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes and at intersections.
–Use your turn signals.
–Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Some riders forget to turn them off.
–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.
–Don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
–Never drive while distracted.
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