The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has announced that additional officers will be on patrol in Lake Forest on Saturday, November 24. The focus of the increased presence is to identify violations committed by both drivers and motorcycle riders.
According to the department, the main causes of motorcycle crashes include unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is cited as the most frequent factor and accounts for nearly one-third of all motorcycle crashes statewide.
To improve safety for all road users, the department offered several recommendations. Drivers are urged to check mirrors and blind spots twice for motorcycles, use signals when changing lanes, maintain a safe distance from motorcycles, and allow enough space at intersections before turning.
Motorcycle riders are advised to always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear. Other suggestions include adding reflective tape for visibility, keeping lights on during daytime hours, signaling well in advance before changing lanes, and watching out for turning vehicles. While lane splitting is legal in California, authorities caution against doing so at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
