South OC Times

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (July 17, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff's Department will deploy additional officers on patrol in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, July 19. The focus will be on traffic violations committed by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The primary crash factors for motorcycles include unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is identified as the most common factor, responsible for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

The department offers several safety tips for drivers and motorcycle riders:

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

Motorcycle riders should always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear. Adding reflective tape can make them more visible to other drivers. Keeping lights on during the day is recommended. Riders should signal well in advance before changing lanes and be cautious of turning vehicles.

While lane splitting is legal, it is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.