Police aim to cut motorcycle accidents

Costa Mesa police will increase patrols in areas motorcyclists frequent next month in an effort to curb deaths and injuries.

The special Motorcycle Enforcement Operation — during which officers will be on high alert for violations that can lead to crashes, like speeding or riding under the influence — will run from June 1 to 22, according to a news release.

Officers will also ticket car drivers for those violations.

California collision data show that motorcycle crashes often involve speeding, unsafe turning and substance-related impairment, according to the release.

The release said the state has seen 97 traffic collisions involving motorcyclists since January 2010, resulting in 91 injuries and one death.

For more information on motorcycle safety, riders can check out the California Motorcyclist Safety Program at https://www.ca-msp.org or call (877) 743-3411.

Funding for the enforcement operation was provided by a California Office of Traffic Safety grant, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

— Jill Cowan

Twitter: @jillcowan