SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol is using a grant they received to encourage motorcycle safety as part of Get Educated and Ride Safe III.

The primary goal of GEARS III is to reduce the number of motorcycle-involved crashes and victims.

In federal fiscal year 2017-18, the number of motorcycle-involved crashes increased by approximately 3% within CHP jurisdiction.

However, provisional FFY 2018-19 data showed a 10% decrease.

“The ultimate objective is to improve not just motorcycle safety, but highway safety overall,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “The additional education and enforcement funded by GEARS III helps our officers meet this objective.”

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 “May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”

The campaigns will also focus on the most dangerous traffic violations, including speeding, improper turning, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.