SACRAMENTO, CA (PSN)- Sacramento Police Promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Sacramento Police Department is reminding drivers and motorcyclists to stay alert on local roadways as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
With warmer weather bringing more riders onto the roads, the department said drivers should take extra precautions to help prevent collisions and fatalities involving motorcycles.
“Motorcyclists are out in greater numbers as the weather warms, and we’re reminding everyone to share the road,” Sgt. Anna Mahoney said in a Tuesday news release. “Most crashes involving motorcycles happen when drivers simply don’t see them. Taking a few extra seconds to look twice can prevent a tragedy.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2023, accounting for 15% of all highway fatalities. In California, 583 motorcyclists were killed that same year.
The department encouraged drivers to check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, avoid following motorcycles too closely and use caution when riders activate turn signals.
Motorcyclists were advised to wear U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets with eye protection, use reflective clothing and ride defensively by avoiding drivers’ blind spots.
Police also reminded both drivers and riders not to operate vehicles while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The department said riders can contact Sacramento police for information about local “Ride to Live” motorcycle safety training opportunities led by motor officers.
Funding for the campaign was provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.