Norwalk Continues Crack Down on Dangerous Motorcycle Riders

By Randy Economy

The City of Norwalk is cracking down on motorcycle riders who are driving carelessly with an aggressive campaign in conjunction with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
A specialized “Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation” was held this week in an aggressive effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Extra officers were deployed throughout Norwalk this week that targeted areas where frequent crashes take place.

During the past several months, Norwalk officials have been cracking down on those motorcyclists who ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who is speeding in traffic and who make illegal turns, or any other dangerous violations.

Motorcycle fatalities saw a phenomenal drop of 37 percent from 2008 to 2010, but rose nearly 18 percent in 2011 city officials said in a statement.

“Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward,” a spokesman said.

In the City of Norwalk, there were 16 motorcycle-involved collisions in 2011, with one fatality and 15 injuries. In 2012, the number of collisions rose to 21, but the number of fatalities dropped to zero, with number of injuries dropping to 13.

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

As the economy turns upward, there will likely be more miles driven by all vehicles, plus more novice motorcycle riders who are untrained and unable to handle the power of today’s motorcycles. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility by following the helmet regulations and do your part by safely “sharing the road.” Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.