Motorcycle-involved crashes continue to be a major concern for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) so the agency has implemented a yearlong, federally funded program, Get Educated and Ride Safe VI (GEARS), with the goal of increasing motorcycle safety and awareness throughout the state.

The goals of the program are designed to reduce the number of motorcycle-involved crashes and crash victims. Based on provisional data, there were 7,639 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 381 deaths and 6,969 injuries, within CHP jurisdiction in federal fiscal year 2021-22 – an 8 percent increase from the previous year.

A number of fatalities involving motorcycle riders have occurred this year in the Ceres area alone. 

“Motorcycle riders are statistically more likely to be injured or killed when involved in a crash,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “The GEARS VI grant will support the department’s efforts to improve safety for motorcycle riders and other road users through focused education and enforcement.”

During the grant period, the CHP will increase motorcycle safety activities in regions with a high number of motorcycle incidents and participate in traffic safety education campaigns such as “National Motorcycle Ride Day” held on Monday. The campaign will promote the use of U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets for all riders and raise driver awareness of sharing the road with motorcyclists. The CHP will also increase enforcement in areas with a high number of motorcycle-involved crashes, which resulted from speed, improper turns, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The grant was issued by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.