Are motorcycle crashes still rising in the Valley?
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- Motorcycle crash numbers in Palm Springs are holding steady compared to this point last year, but local police say speed continues to stand out as a major concern.
Palm Springs Police have recorded 16 motorcycle crashes so far in 2026, the same number reported at this point in 2025. Since the start of 2025, the department has recorded 37 motorcycle crashes, including one fatal crash.
Police data shows unsafe speed was the top factor in 10 crashes. Improper turning was listed in seven crashes, while six involved a driver violating a motorcycle rider’s right of way.
Lt. Andrew Leyva with the Indio Police Department said speed and impairment are two of the biggest factors officers see involving motorcycle crashes.
“Number one is going to be speed. People need to slow down,” Leyva said. “And the second one is being under the influence, whether it’s drugs or alcohol.”
Leyva has been riding motorcycles for more than 30 years and said he has also seen how quickly a ride can become dangerous while working as a police officer.
In Indio, police recorded two fatal motorcycle crashes in 2025 and one so far in 2026. Leyva said speed and alcohol were factors in both of last year’s deadly crashes.
Safety starts before hitting the road
At Engine Joe’s Custom Cycles, co-owner Leslie Boniface said motorcycle safety begins before a rider ever pulls onto the road.
She said riders should pay close attention to their tires and brakes, including proper tire pressure, tread and brake pads.
“Primarily not keeping track of their tires and their brakes,” Boniface said. “It’s very important that tire pressures are maintained at the proper level, and brake pads are in good working order.”
Both Boniface and Leyva also stressed the importance of wearing the right helmet. Leyva recommends a properly fitted, DOT-compliant helmet, while Boniface showed News Channel 3 the DOT label on the full-face helmet she wears.
California law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. Leyva also encouraged riders to take motorcycle safety courses, even if they already have a license or years of riding experience.
For drivers, he said staying off the phone, slowing down and checking carefully before changing lanes or making turns can help prevent crashes.
Leyva recommends drivers use what he calls “SMOG”… signal, mirror, observe and go, before making a move on the road.
Police say whether someone is riding on two wheels or driving a car, slowing down and paying attention can give everyone more time to react.
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