CHP on Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 2022

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) just issued a press release calling on motorists to Make Way for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Throughout the Month of May, CHP officers will be focusing on improving safety for motorcycle riders in California. They are urging motorists to pay close attention to motorcycle rider locations and emphasizing the importance of sharing the road.  

CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray was quick to point out that Motorcycle riders face dangers at a statistically higher rate than motorists in automobiles. Understanding that motorcycle riders are a vulnerable roadway user group is a great first step in helping to keep them safe. Motorcycle riders don’t have the benefit of seat belts and steel cages. Even with helmets and other safety gear, they’re at the mercy of the drivers they share the road with.  

Motorcycle Crashes by The Numbers in California  

  • In 2020, the CHP responded to approximately 6,500 motorcycle-related crashes.  
  • Nearly 80 percent of those crashes involved an injury.  
  • In 2020, 328 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes on California roadways.  

Educational and Enforcement Efforts for Motorcycle Safety Month 

The CHP will be working to raise awareness and call attention to important safety topics in an effort to improve safety for riders throughout the state. They are also reminding motorcyclists that they also offer the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). This program is perfect for new riders and those who have been riding for years. Your certificate of completion can even be used to wave the motorcycle skills test at the DMV. Additionally, riders also learn the rules of the road so they’re ready to safely take to the open roads.   

The CHP will also be stepping up their enforcement efforts in May to help keep roadways safe for motorcycle riders and all other roadway users. Drivers are being reminded to make a commitment to distraction-free driving. You can’t share the road if you’re looking at your phone.   

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.