thedrifter
02-26-08, 05:16 AM
NBCSanDiego.com
Marines Test Drive Motorcycle Safety Course
POSTED: 10:17 pm PST February 25, 2008
UPDATED: 10:21 pm PST February 25, 2008
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines at Camp Pendleton are participating in a pilot training program to make motorcycles safer on the streets.
The Marines are going through the mandatory training to ride at Camp Pendleton. The class, which is held every Monday morning, is part of a new curriculum from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that is being tested on the Marines.
The military enlisted help from the non-profit group to help train Marines about accident avoidance.
"For somebody to have a mishap on a motorcycle usually has more consequences than it does having a car," motorcycle instructor Kevin Frantum said.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation said the military has a "strong need" for the program because so many military members are motorcycle owners.
"A lot of these guys like to ride them," Frantum said. "You know, they look good, (and) we're coming into the summer months."
According to recent numbers from AAA, motorcycle deaths in California increased more than100 percent from 1998 to 2005. The military said its number of fatalities nearly doubled from 2001 to 2006.
In San Diego, local military personnel have been involved numerous crashes, including a fatal crash in Mira Mesa last year and a crash in which a 26-year-old sailor survived after being thrown 100 feet.
Marines said people seem to pay more attention when they're involved in crashes.
"You know, we're being looked at," Lassiter said "We're under a microscope. So it is absolutely, positively paramount that we maintain the best skills and stay within the posted laws."
Everyone said they agreed that more training can't hurt anyone.
"It shows you what you're good at and what your deficiencies are," Staff Sgt. Johnnie Lassiter said.
The instructors said all motorcycle riders should undergo more training.
"Hopefully, the change in attitude will get them to slow down, think a little more and just be a safer rider,"
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation said it has worked on similar programs with the military for years. The group is hoping to release the curriculum the Marines are undergoing to the public by the spring.
Ellie
Marines Test Drive Motorcycle Safety Course
POSTED: 10:17 pm PST February 25, 2008
UPDATED: 10:21 pm PST February 25, 2008
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines at Camp Pendleton are participating in a pilot training program to make motorcycles safer on the streets.
The Marines are going through the mandatory training to ride at Camp Pendleton. The class, which is held every Monday morning, is part of a new curriculum from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that is being tested on the Marines.
The military enlisted help from the non-profit group to help train Marines about accident avoidance.
"For somebody to have a mishap on a motorcycle usually has more consequences than it does having a car," motorcycle instructor Kevin Frantum said.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation said the military has a "strong need" for the program because so many military members are motorcycle owners.
"A lot of these guys like to ride them," Frantum said. "You know, they look good, (and) we're coming into the summer months."
According to recent numbers from AAA, motorcycle deaths in California increased more than100 percent from 1998 to 2005. The military said its number of fatalities nearly doubled from 2001 to 2006.
In San Diego, local military personnel have been involved numerous crashes, including a fatal crash in Mira Mesa last year and a crash in which a 26-year-old sailor survived after being thrown 100 feet.
Marines said people seem to pay more attention when they're involved in crashes.
"You know, we're being looked at," Lassiter said "We're under a microscope. So it is absolutely, positively paramount that we maintain the best skills and stay within the posted laws."
Everyone said they agreed that more training can't hurt anyone.
"It shows you what you're good at and what your deficiencies are," Staff Sgt. Johnnie Lassiter said.
The instructors said all motorcycle riders should undergo more training.
"Hopefully, the change in attitude will get them to slow down, think a little more and just be a safer rider,"
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation said it has worked on similar programs with the military for years. The group is hoping to release the curriculum the Marines are undergoing to the public by the spring.
Ellie