Modesto police to conduct motorcycle safety enforcement Saturday

Modesto police will conduct a specialized motorcycle safety enforcement operation Saturday in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. They’ll be looking for violations – speeding, illegal turns, DUI and more – made by drivers and riders alike.

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

The department shared safety tips for riders:

▪ Ride with lights on during daylight hours.

▪ Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room.

▪ Match your speed to surrounding traffic.

▪ Always wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing.

And for drivers:

▪ Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes.

▪ Motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage.

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations – including training at Modesto Junior College – are available at http://cmsp.msi5.com or by calling 877-743-3411.

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Modesto police to conduct motorcycle safety enforcement Saturday."