Crime & Safety

CHP Conducting Crackdown On Ortega Highway

From April through the end of September, the CHP's Temecula office will ramp up patrols on a 33-mile stretch of state Route 74 to catch unsafe motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists committing traffic violations on the Ortega Highway in Riverside County will be the target of a six-month enforcement campaign by the California Highway Patrol, it was announced today.

From April through the end of September, the CHP's Temecula office will ramp up patrols on a 33-mile stretch of state Route 74 to catch unsafe motorcyclists, according to Officer Ron Thatcher.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration "Motorcycle Safety Coalitions'' grant will provide the funds necessary for overtime and special
operations geared to motorcycle riders, Thatcher said.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

CHP data from January 2007 to December 2008 indicate there were 75
motorcycle collisions from where the Ortega Highway begins in San Juan
Capistrano to Green Avenue in southwest Riverside County. Twenty-five of the accidents resulted in injuries, and all were connected to speeding.

"Taking a turn too fast, a motorcyclist is likely to find himself in over his head,'' said Capt. Ernie Sanchez, commander of the agency's Temecula office. "This stretch of highway demands concentration and caution on the part of the rider. With this grant, we're hoping to not only raise awareness and educate motorcyclists, but ultimately save lives and reduce the number of riders injured every year.''

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Temecula CHP will coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to
conduct enforcement operations and advance public awareness efforts, according to Thatcher. --City News Service


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