DATE: May 2, 2025
SUBJECT: National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant
(805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │[email protected]
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. With the arrival of warmer weather, more motorcycles are taking to the roads, making it essential for everyone to stay alert to help reduce crashes and save lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022, representing 15 percent of total highway fatalities for that year. In California, 634 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, an increase of 3.8 percent from 2021.
Throughout the month, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct enhanced enforcement focusing on dangerous driving behaviors that affect all roadway users, including motorcyclists. On May 26, between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., additional officers will be out enforcing vehicle code violations that often result in crashes, including speeding, distracted driving, and right-of-way violations.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers
· Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
· Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
· If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.
Motorcyclists
· Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
· Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
· Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
· Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Safety Administration.