Marines give NCOs more power over motorcycle-riding subordinates in effort to curb deaths
Published Wed, Nov 12, 2008 12:00 AM
By PATRICK DONOHUE
pdonohue@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5531

After the deadliest year ever for Marines on motorcycles, the Corps has stepped up efforts to keep Marines safe on two wheels.

Twenty-five Marines --including a corporal at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island -- were killed on motorcycles during the 2008 fiscal year, making it the deadliest year in Corps history, according to statistics from the Naval Safety Center. It was the first time in five years that more Marines died in motorcycle crashes than in car accidents.

To curb a trend in which the number of Marines killed in motorcycle wrecks hit record highs in each of the past four years, the Corps has extended a motor vehicle safety program that gives non-commissioned officers more authority over junior enlisted Marines.

Although it does not require participation by all NCOs, the program gives senior Marines the authority to allow or deny lower enlisted Marines' request for leave or liberty and holds them accountable for the risky behaviors of the Marines under their command. The program also calls for tougher punishments under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for traffic violations, including revoking a Marine's on-base driving privileges.

The extension of the program is the latest attempt by the Corps to lower motorcycle fatality statistics, numbers Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway called "staggering" and "unacceptable" in a message to Marines in the spring.

In addition to requiring Marines to wear helmets and reflective vests, the Corps has sought to provide Marines with safety training and instruction, including mandatory basic and experienced-rider courses and a new sports-bike safety course.

The sports bike course,first offered at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort this summer, teaches riders of the high-speed performance motorcycles better braking and cornering skills and includes three hours of classroom time and five hours of ride time. Enrollment is mandatory for all active-duty Marines to maintain a base access sticker for their vehicle.

Twenty-two of the 25 Marines killed this year died on sports bikes, according to the Naval Safety Center.
25: Marines killed nationwide in motorcycle accidents since Oct. 1, 2007. 2: S.C. Marines killed on motorcycles between Oct. 1, 2007, and Sept. 30. 1: Marines killed since Oct. 1.

Ellie