Leaders look for help to lessen bike deaths

[unhappycamper]

Soldiers and sailors practice motorcycle handling and braking skills in the Naval Region Mid-Atlantic's Sport Bike Rider Course at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The eight-hour course, unveiled in June, is designed to give riders additional skills to improve motorcycle safety in a controlled atmosphere.


Leaders look for help to lessen bike deaths
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 19, 2009 6:15:25 EST

A rise in motorcycle deaths among service members, particularly those riding superfast sport bikes, has military leaders turning to the manufacturers for answers.

The secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force met with four major motorcycle makers Jan. 15. The discussion focused on motorcycle safety and how sport bikes are marketed to service members.

“We have so many cases these days with sailors and Marines who buy sport bikes that are really intended for racing purposes as their first motorcycle,” Navy Secretary Donald Winter said in a Jan. 12 interview with Military Times reporters and editors. “We’ve had cases with people who have crashed them causing disabling injuries and in a few cases, death, just after a few hours on those motorcycles.

“People need to understand what they’re buying and that there are alternatives,” Winter said.

“I believe that it is appropriate to expect that the manufacturers will help in explaining that and making clear the of products that they have available, and more appropriately, if you will, target the market that is represented by our young sailors and Marines.”


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/01/airforce_sportbikes_011809w/%2e

[BlooInBloo]

1. Can't the military just prohibit they're use by servicepeople?

[texanshatingbush]

2. Hence the term "squid".....

For decades, the term for the inexperienced military rider has been "squid". Wiki has an interesting description:
"Squid is a slang term used to describe an irresponsible motorcyclist. The term is common among motorcyclists in North America.

"The term is generally used to describe a motorcyclist who rides aggressively, erratically or beyond their capabilities. Squids are perceived as overconfident and often ride without appropriate safety equipment, such as a helmet, gloves, leather jacket, riding pants, or boots...

"Actions that may cause a motorcyclist to be identified as a squid are those that are seen as reckless or excessive, such as speeding or performing wheelies or stoppies, especially in the midst of other traffic. A rider may also be labeled a squid by their lack of appropriate attire, such as by riding while wearing shorts, ball caps, flip flops, and so-called wifebeater shirts, or no shirt at all...

"Because a squid eschews all or many of the social and legal norms of riding behavior, they are usually looked upon with derision by experienced motorcyclists, who may also refer to them as "organ donors", "zip-splats", "skin crayons",<2> or "soon-to-be ex-motorcyclists...

"It is important to note that a lack of safety equipment is not normative of squidly behavior. Many squids wear safety equipment, although this is often alleged to be for aesthetic purposes. The term is most often applied as an insult to a rider's behavior or skill."

SOOOOOOO....what to do? The Marines, in particular, seem to have the right approach--essentially "We invested a million dollars in making you a devil dog, and you ain't gonna screw it up if we can help it.....so register the bike with us, take this safety course, ride with safety gear, don't ride beyond your skill level, or we'll prosecute you under military law."

THAT SAID, HOWEVER, I can't help but notice a possible anti-motorcycle bias-by-omission in the article regarding the increase in motorcycle-related deaths between 2002 and 2007 (70 versus 124). I'd like to know what percentage of total service members that represents. Surely the services had many more people in 2007 as opposed to 2002.