| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2084 | 2011-08-15 | Troop B | Local Law Enforcement Partnerships Enhanced for Special Motorcycle Training |
Troop B - NEWS RELEASE Local Law Enforcement Partnerships Enhanced for Special Motorcycle Training Troop B: On Friday, August 12, 2011, eleven (11) New Orleans area police officers graduated from the Northwestern University and Harley Davidson Police Motorcycle Operators course hosted by Louisiana State Police Troop B and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Officers from Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Police Department, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office and Harahan Police Department endured a two week specialized training course in police motorcycle skills. The officers trained on nine (9) different obstacle courses, which require a higher level of motorcycle skills than a civilian rider, in order to complete the course. Instruction also included safe positioning during traffic stops and proper escort procedures. The dangers that are associated with motorcycle riders were discussed, as well as the safety for Louisiana’s motorists. This training is unique due to the number of participating agencies. “Partnerships with other law enforcement agencies within our community are very successful,” said Captain Carl Saizan, Commander of Troop B. “They build a stronger commitment to Louisiana’s citizens. And together we bring our commitment to safety within the community by educating our motorists, visible enforcement and integrity.” Louisiana State Police would like to remind motorists of several important guidelines as it relates to motorcycles: *Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Please utilize a designated sober driver! *Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, so look carefully before turning or changing lanes. *Motorcycles are vehicles with the same privileges as other motor vehicles on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel. *Check carefully for motorcycles at intersections. Drivers of all vehicles should slow down and look twice. *Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers. Obstructions, such as debris or potholes, can be dangerous for a motorcyclist. *If you ride a motorcycle, stay a safe distance from passenger vehicles and always wear a helmet. Motorcycle helmets save lives. To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet specific Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. This standard defines minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash. Despite scientific evidence showing that DOT approved helmets reduce deaths and injuries to motorcycle riders, many riders choose to wear uncertified helmets, often called “novelty” helmets. In general, these “novelty” helmets have little or no impact-attenuating lining inside their shells, are not made to withstand the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, and their retention systems do not ensure that the helmets stay fastened on motorcycle riders’ heads in the event of a crash. A “novelty” helmet is easily identified by the absence of a manufacturer placed label with the symbol “DOT” on the rear of the helmet. In addition, the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from non-complying ones. Motorcycle riders can find more information on helmet guidelines and rider safety courses by visiting http://lahighwaysafety.org/motorcycle.html. Contact Information: TFC Melissa Matey Public Information Officer Louisiana State Police – Troop B Office: (504) 471-2780 Melissa.matey@dps.la.gov | |||
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