New Requirements for Marine Motorcycle Owners

[thedrifter]

New Requirements for Marine Motorcycle Owners
Monday April 28, 2008

Marines who own or intend to purchase a motorcycle have some new requirements, according to a new All-Marine message released Thursday. The new requirements come just six months after the Marine Corps suffered its worst year for motorcycle fatalities since recording statistics began 10 years ago.

Riders are now required to notify their commands prior to purchasing a motorcycle. Furthermore, any Marine who currently owns a motorcycle must notify the command, regardless of whether or not the Marine rides on base. In addition to notifying unit commanders, Marines who own or intend to purchase a motorcycle will be required to register their bikes at the provost marshal’s office. Marines must also maintain a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.

Ellie

http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/PRIVATEMOTORVEHICLEANDMOTORCYCLESAFETYREQUIREMENTS .aspx

[thedrifter]

Marines and motorcycles: a deadly combination

Along with sporting a new tattoo, many young Marines like to show off a new motorcycle upon returning home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the combination of bravado and inexperience has led to an alarming increase in the number of motorcycle deaths and injuries among Marines and other members of the armed forces. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports that motorcycle accidents last year killed 19 Marines, the largest number in several years:

Military commanders say the deaths are largely the result of boredom, bonus pay that can top $20,000 and $30,000, and adrenalin to burn off after troops return from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

All Marines and other troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are now required to attend sessions on motorcycle and off-road vehicle safety. Some Marines call them "Don't Be Stupid" lectures.

In addition, the Marine Corps is sponsoring popular motorcycle stunt shows that stress safety. On Saturday in Twentynine Palms, more than 14,000 Marines and members of the public attended such a show, where professional motorcycle drivers like Tony Carbajal wowed the crowds with their skills while clad in helmets, spine protectors and other safety gear.

"Lots of them like to ride but they don't have a lot of experience and they don't know a lot about proper riding gear," Carbajal said of the Marines. "The next thing you know, they're getting hurt or killed."

-- Jesus Sanchez

Ellie