PD Knows Saturday is Grad Party Day

Saturday will be a full day and night of parties to celebrate graduation of the Class of 2012 from Novato's high schools.

The is fully aware of that and figures a reminder about safe and sober driving might correspond quite well with the festive occasion.

For residents not involved with the grad parties, it's worth noting that school is out, more teens will be behind the wheel during daylight hours, more young pedestrians will be in the crosswalks and more drivers might be distracted by thoughts of summer fun.

You'll see more officers on heightened alert, including ramped-up enforcement in areas frequented by motorcyclists, Sgt. Oliver Collins said. Officers will be looking for drivers and riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cracking down on traffic violations that can lead to collisions, injuries and fatalities.

The state has seen two consecutive years of fewer motorcycle fatalities — 394 in 2009 and 352 in 2010, calculating to a 37 percent decrease since the 2008 peak.

"This is positive trend that we want to see continue," Collins said in a release.

The primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes in California include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs.  Collins warns all motorists to be alert and watch out for motorcycles especially when turning and changing lanes.

Funding for the motorcycle safety enforcement program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.