SACRAMENTO,
Calif. –The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will implement a yearlong federal
grant to help save lives and reduce the risk associated with riding a
motorcycle.
The goal
of the Get Educated and Ride Safe (GEARS) V grant is to decrease the
number of motorcycle-involved crashes and victims through education and
enforcement efforts across California through September 30, 2023.
From October
1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, there were 7,078 motorcycle-involved crashes
resulting in 354 deaths and 6,400 injuries within CHP jurisdiction, an increase
of 3 percent over the previous 12 months.
“Motorcycle riders are
statistically more likely to be injured or killed when involved in a crash,”
said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “In an effort to ensure every motorist reaches
their destination safely, the CHP will continue to use enforcement and
non-enforcement strategies, including education and community engagement, to
target the leading causes of traffic deaths.”
During
the grant period, the CHP will participate in traffic safety education efforts,
such as“May
is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” These campaigns will promote the use
of U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets for all riders and raise
driver awareness of sharing the road with motorcyclists. The CHP will also increase enforcement in
areas with a high number of motorcycle-involved crashes, which resulted from
speed, improper turns, 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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