Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials are expected to conduct a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in the city of Santa Clarita on Sept. 9 in an attempt to lower deaths and injuries.

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Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, making illegal turns, or any other dangerous violation.

Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37 percent from 2008 to 2010, but then rose 23 percent by 2012. Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward.

Related Story: Santa Clarita Sheriff’s And City To Conduct Crosswalk Safety Operation

In the area policed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, there was a 390 percent increase in motorcyclists injured over the last 13 years with 47 injured in 1998 and 184 in 2011. There was a 300 percent increase in motorcyclists killed over the same time period with 2 killed in 1998 and 6 killed in 2011.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at the website or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

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