When gas prices began to soar, many Sailors turned to a more fuel efficient source of transportation: motorcycles. With the increase of Sailors riding motorcycles, Navy statistics show a trend in the rise of motorcycle mishaps.
To help combat the climb in numbers of motorcycle accidents, Training Support Center (TSC) San Diego recently held a motorcycle safety standdown to help educate Sailors on motorcycle safety. According to Event Coordinator, Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Lisa Greathouse, the purpose of the motorcycle safety standdown was not only to provide motorcycle riders with training and information on motorcycle safety, but the applicable California laws and Navy regulations.
“I feel this is important to Sailors because of the rise in gas prices, increase in purchases of motorcycles and the mandatory requirements of motorcycle courses for all riders in the military,” Greathouse said. “Sailors need to be aware of what the Navy's expectations are of every Sailor as far as safety.”
Naval Base San Diego motorcycle safety coordinator, Chief Boatswain’s Mate Christopher Cross attended the event and said it’s critical for Sailors to remain educated.
“With the extensive rise in motorcycle mishaps and fatalities in the military, it’s important for military leaders to minimize and limit the accidents with events like these,” he said. “It’s important to stay educated because it’s either your life or your career.”
“Sports bikes are what kill most Sailors,” Cross said. “Speed, inexperience and lack of knowing the laws and regulations are what cause accidents. This standdown was held to help inform Sailors on motorcycle safety.”
Sports-bike rider Chief Yeoman (Sel.) Joseph Carheel said he attended the event to learn the most current motorcycle safety information.
“I wanted to learn the latest and greatest safety information,” Carheel said. “I want to protect my shipmates by keeping them informed.”
Carheel advises Sailors to take advantage of events like TSC’s Motorcycle Safety Standdown. “This is a great opportunity to come out and educate yourself about safety for not only you, but your passengers as well,” he said.
To learn more about motorcycle safety, visit the Commander, Navy Region Southwest traffic safety website at www.cnrswtrafficsafety.com or Navy Compass website at www.navycompass.com.
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