Motor vehicle crashes are a major public health problem. Each year, more than 41,000 people are killed and more than 3 million individuals are injured on our Nationís roadways. The economic impact on our country as a result of these
Motor vehicle crashes are a major public health problem. Each year, more than 41,000 people are killed and more than 3 million individuals are injured on our Nationís roadways. The economic impact on our country as a result of these deaths and injuries exceeds $150 billion annually. One traffic enforcement method being implemented in law enforcement agencies across the country is Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement. These patrol units are assisting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce the incidences of aggressive driving, impaired driving, speeding, and red light running. Other priority enforcement concerns for agencies at all levels are seatbelt and child safety seat usage, for which motorcycle patrol units could play a significant role in assisting with enforcement.
Use of the Motorcycle Patrol Unit dates to 1909, when mounted officers abandoned their horses in lieu of transportation that could keep up with the rapidly evolving motor vehicle. (The horse-mounted officer heritage can still be seen in the present day motorcycle patrol officer uniform.)
Today, many law enforcement agencies have improved their traffic safety services by restoring and/or have started motorcycle patrol units. These specialized enforcement units are capable of diverse assignments and have proven to be beneficial in their ability to easily access traffic crash scenes on congested roadways. Motorcycles, due to t