South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department will deploy additional deputies in Mission Viejo on Monday, December 2, to monitor violations by drivers and motorcyclists that could lead to crashes.

With almost 900,000 registered motorcycles in California, many road users lack the same protection as car drivers. Motorcycle riders face a significantly higher risk of fatal accidents compared to vehicle occupants.

To enhance safety for everyone on the road, several guidelines have been provided for both drivers and motorcyclists:

Drivers are advised to always check twice for motorcycles in mirrors and blind spots, use signals when changing lanes, maintain a safe distance from motorcycles, and allow enough space at intersections before turning.

Motorcyclists should wear DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear such as gloves and leather clothing. Adding reflective tape to clothing can improve visibility. Riders are encouraged to keep their lights on at all times and signal well in advance of lane changes while watching for turning vehicles. Although lane splitting is legal, it is not recommended at high speeds or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.