South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, May 6, in the city of Yorba Linda looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

"With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants."

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers should always check twice for motorcycles in their mirrors and blind spots, use their signal when changing lanes, never follow a motorcycle too closely, and allow enough space before turning at an intersection.

Motorcyclists are advised to always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing, consider adding reflective tape to their clothing, keep their lights on at all times, signal well in advance before changing lanes, and watch for turning vehicles. Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.