Newport to focus on motorcycle crash hot spots

The Newport Beach Police Department will have extra officers on the streets for one day next week focused on enforcing traffic laws in areas that are well-traveled by motorcyclists or where there have been recent crashes.

The operation, scheduled for Jan. 23, is designed to prevent traffic collisions involving motorcycles, according to police.

However, officers will be writing out tickets for car drivers and bikers alike.

“Whether you are on two wheels — or on four — it’s your responsibility to safely share the road,” police said in an announcement about the operation.

The extra cops will also target specific traffic offenses such as driving under the influence, speeding, driving on a suspended or revoked license and violations of motorcycle license endorsement, according to police.

The special enforcement is funded with grant money from the California Office of Traffic and Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the department.

Police carried out a similar operation Friday.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck