South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has announced that additional deputies will be on patrol in Laguna Woods, California, on Saturday, May 11. The increased presence is part of an initiative to identify and address violations by drivers and motorcyclists that may heighten the risk of accidents.

With nearly 900,000 motorcycles registered in the state, many individuals are navigating roads without the same protections afforded to drivers. Statistics indicate that motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.

To enhance safety for all road users, the OCSD offers several recommendations. For drivers, these include checking twice for motorcycles in mirrors and blind spots, using signals when changing lanes, maintaining a safe distance from motorcycles, and allowing sufficient space at intersections before turning.

Motorcyclists are advised to always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmet and protective gear such as gloves and leather clothing. Other suggestions include adding reflective tape to clothing for increased visibility, keeping lights on at all times including during daylight hours, signaling well in advance before changing lanes, and watching out for turning vehicles. While lane splitting is legal, it is not recommended at high speeds in free-flowing traffic or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.