OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Police Department (OPD) has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation to roll out a high-visibility enforcement campaign aimed at improving motorcycle safety. This operation, running from December 2024 through September 2025, seeks to address traffic violations that endanger motorcyclists.
Over the next year, additional officers will be deployed across Ocala to enforce laws and educate the public on motorcycle safety. The initiative emphasizes the importance of drivers sharing the road with motorcycles and aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by motorcycle crashes.
“The operation will be in effect all days of the week, covering all hours of the day,” OPD stated in a Facebook post. “The focus will extend city-wide, targeting various locations.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2022 Traffic Safety Facts, motorcyclists face significant risks on the road. In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities. The fatality rate for motorcyclists is 22 times higher than that of passenger car occupants.
OPD notes that Ocala’s warm climate and scenic roads make it a popular destination for motorcyclists year-round, further underscoring the importance of this campaign.
Drivers are urged to stay alert and watch for motorcycles, while motorcyclists are encouraged to prioritize safety at all times. By working together, Ocala officials express that they hope to make the city’s streets safer for everyone.