(Yuba-Sutter, CA) – The ‘merry-merry month of May’ might not be so merry, if you get a ticket, or have an accident. And the Yuba City Police Department has announced additional officers will be on patrol this month, in an effort to increase motorcycle safety.

Officials say that speeding is the main cause of motorcycle crashes, along with right-of-way violation, unsafe lane changes, improper turns and DUI. YCPD officers will be on the lookout for these infractions, and urge drivers to always check your mirror twice for blind spots, never follow a motorcycle too closely and always use a turn signal when changing lanes.

For motorcyclists, helmets are required, you’re urged to use reflective tape, always leave lights on – even in daylight, and even though ‘lane-splitting’ is not illegal, you’re urged to avoid doing so at “high speeds in free-flowing traffic.”

The Appeal-Democrat reports funding for the enhanced patrols is made possible by a grant from the California Office of Traffic safety, via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.