SACRAMENTO, Calif. –The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is stepping
up motorcycle safety awareness statewide as part of Get Educated and Ride
Safe (GEARS) III, a yearlong, federally funded program focused on educational
and enforcement efforts.
The primary goal of GEARS III is to reduce the number of
motorcycle-involved crashes and victims.
In federal fiscal year (FFY) 2017-18, the number of motorcycle-involved
crashes increased approximately 3 percent within CHP jurisdiction. However, provisional FFY 2018-19 data show a 10
percent decrease.
“The
ultimate objective is to improve not just motorcycle safety, but highway safety
overall,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “The additional education and enforcement
funded by GEARS III helps our officers meet this objective.”
During the grant period, the CHP will increase motorcycle safety
activities in regions with a high number of motorcycle incidents and participate
in traffic safety education campaigns such as “May is Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month.” The campaigns will
promote the use of U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets for all
riders and raise motorists’ awareness of sharing the road with motorcyclists. The campaigns will also focus on the most
dangerous traffic violations, including speeding, improper turning, and driving
under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the
California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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