| Author | Message | ||
     Southern Marine |
I've been published in my local military paper. The Globe I felt that we were being singled out and wanted to speak up. Nick, if you read this, I had to dig through the threads because I couldn't remember all the injuries. I hope the rehab is coming along well. Motorcycle Safety, It's Not Just For Motorcyclist Staff Sgt. Robert D. Lassiter Guest Commentary A lot of people see a motorcycle crash, and usually the first thought that pops in their head is, “Well, they were probably speeding, or doing something stupid?” During Daytona Bike Week 2006, there were 18 motorcyclists’ that died. How many of them were alcohol related, or were not wearing proper protective equipment? Well, that’s not what I want to talk about. I want to point out that 8 of those 18 were killed when they were hit by an automobile. According to the American Motorcyclist Association, nationally, drivers of other vehicles are at fault in one-third of all motorcycle related fatalities. I was able to attend Daytona’s Bike Week 2006. I spent some of my time with fellow riders at the house of one of our friends who had recently been in a motorcycle crash. He was commuting to work on his motorcycle and was minutes away, when at the last second, a car turned in front of him. The crash threw him from the bike, and even though he was wearing proper protective equipment, he still suffered a fractured vertebra, broken hip, broken leg, broken ribs, concussion, and both shoulders broken, with one of them actually being shattered. Speed was not a factor; he was only doing about 30 mph. The driver of the automobile that turned in front of him, failed to notice him. I have been riding a motorcycle since 1993. I have lost count the number of times a vehicle has pulled out in front of me, causing me to take evasive maneuvers. While riding in a lane all to myself, I have had vehicles pull up beside me then pull right over into my lane, forcing me to either swerve, speed up, or slow down. It’s funny how the drivers all seem to have the same expression on their face, and offer the same excuse, “Oh I didn’t see you”, or, “What were you doing there?” Why didn’t the motorist see the motorcycle? What did they miss? Was it the bright red motorcycle I was on, the bright orange reflective vest, or the reflective helmet? Being a United States Marine, every now and then we have safety stand-downs and for holidays and long weekends we have safety briefs. Because there have been a high number of motorcycle deaths in the Marine Corps this year, as well as DOD wide, one of things they focus on is motorcycle safety, and how we as riders need to be more careful. Only one time in all of the safety briefs that I have attended since coming back from Iraq, have I heard any speaker tell anyone, “that as a motorist you need to be just as aware of motorcycles as you are other vehicles.” I consider motorcycle safety a very serious issue. I encourage other riders to ride safe, saving the stunts and speed for a closed course and racetracks, and to practice basic skills in an empty parking lot. As much as I want my fellow riders to be safe and show respect to others when they ride, I want my fellow motorists to please pay attention to motorcyclist and show them the same respect they show other cars and trucks. We share the road; we also share the responsibility for everyone’s safety, whether we are behind the wheel or sitting in the saddle on two wheels. So please remember, motorcycle safety is not just for motorcycle riders. When you are in your vehicle, whether you are driving or sitting at an intersection, please remember to be aware of motorcycles. The vehicle you are in is a lot bigger than a motorcycle and you have a lot more protection. If you are the cause of the crash because you “didn’t see them”, how do you think it would make you feel if you are also the cause of their death? | ||
| Bomber |
Sarge -- good piece, bud -- thanks for helping educate the folks we share the road with . . . . | ||
| Sleez |
hey david, when were you at tustin? i was at el toro from 86-89. great article by the way! semper fi | ||
| Southern Marine |
Thanks. I was there from 91-93. I liked the Irvine/Tustin area while I was there. If I could only transplant the hills from there to here.  | ||
| Sleez |
same thing i said when i was in beaufort from 90-92, went back to california in aug 92! | ||
| Cataract2 |
Good article there Southern. | ||
| Oldog |
Great Article SM! | ||
| Eboos |
I was in Beaufort from 94-96, Turkey and Chile from 96-99, then Quantico until 01 and finished in 04 on recruiting duty up here. | ||
| Diablobrian |
good article! | ||
| Buellgirlie |
nice work - D | ||
| Court |
Well written. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
A fine piece of writing, Well done indeed;  | ||
| Henrik |
Very nicely done Dave. Good for you that they published it too. Henrik | ||
| Southern Marine |
Thank You, I just hope that it wakes others up and makes them pay more attention. | ||
| Diablobrian |
If one person got the message that wouldn't have otherwise..... That's a huge success, and I'm sure that you had that happen. | ||
| Whatever |
Hey SM, Nice article. I miss the beach. I was in Beaufort for Duke Marine Lab in 1987. As a young coed, Marines were to be seen but not spoken to. hahahahahaha Can you find me a job on base? A geologist by education and environmental scientist by trade. I would love to move back south. Been checking out USAJOBS. Whatever | ||
| Southern Marine |
Sorry, wish I knew someone on base that handled the jobs here. They contract all our data jobs out now, actually started doing that with a lot of the civilian jobs on base. | ||
| Seanp |
Funny thing - I am my battalion's safety officer, and we just got our most recent safety stuff from the Army safety center. This month the Deputy Commander of the Army's Combat Readiness Center, (the new term for the Safety Center) says: "Since 1 April 2006 we have lost nine Soldiers on motorcycles. Most of these losses have involved speed, alcohol or lack of Personal Protective Equipment (mostly helmets). Unfortunately, some inattentive drivers contribute to these tragic accidents. Drivers must keep in mind a motorcycle's smaller size compared to a vehicle and take extra precautions to maintain awareness around them. In addition, our motorcycle riders must take all measures possible to increase their visibility by wearing PPE and using proper riding skills. It is important that our Army team understand proper motorcycle operations. For assistance in reducing these losses, visit the Motorcycle Mentorship Web site at https://crc.army.mil/mmp/index.asp" So he's making the same point as you, SouthernMarine. Motorcycles need to be aware of cars, but also drivers need to be aware of motorcycles! Looks like you beat him to the punch though... Good letter! | ||
| Southern Marine |
Thanks. I have actually been sitting on that letter for about a month. I would get so busy and forget to send it in. I think that the U.S. needs to push PSA's about motorcycle safety, much like they do in Great Britain, and not just motorcycles but auto drivers paying attention, being aware of motorcycles. | ||
| Seanp |
I just read another letter from General Wallace, the commander of the Training & Doctrine Command, and he also mentions the importance of drivers to be aware of motorcyclists. This is a good trend. I know a year ago it was all about how the motorcyclist is the one who needs to be responsible. Now it's the motorcyclist as well as the drivers. You're right - if the idea would get out into the general public, that would be good. I guess they used to have those "Motorcycles Are Everywhere" stickers a lot, but I haven't seen too many lately, (well, when I was home.) |
