Marine Motorcycle SafetyTraining
The Marines have strict rules when it comes to riding motorcycles. After a spike in motorcycle incidents in 2009, the Corps put Marine Corps Order 5100.19F, chapter four into affect after determining the incidents, sometimes fatal, were due to Marines not knowing the proper techniques for riding a motorcycle. Since Corps Order 5100.19F, chapter four started, the number of fatalities has dropped to 10 deaths a year since 2009.
Before a Marine is even allowed to ride a motorcycle, they must complete the basic riding course. Training continues with required basic riders course two and then the advanced riders course. The motorcycle safety program also includes a mentorship program, designed to provide beginners the chance to ride with a more experienced rider on longer road trips. Riders need to get accustomed to how longer rides will fatigue them and get use to the feel of a long ride.
Another requirement that is mandatory for a Marine is the gear they are required to wear. A DOT (Department of Transportation) certified helmet, if the helmet does not provide face protection then eye protection is required as well, a long sleeve shirt, long jeans, ankle high boots with a low heel and full-fingered gloves.
Repercussions for a Marine being involved in an accident and not wearing the required gear could be severe. The accident investigation will be submitted up through the chain of command and the individual can receive anything from negative counseling to the maximum punishment, which is a Non-Judicial Punishment for not obeying the Marine Corps Orders.
A mandatory motorcycle safety course along with proper training does not only save the lives of the Marines riding the motorcycles but also others as well.
It’s not only the Marines that require motorcycle safety courses. For Civilians, States offer motorcycle safety courses and actually require younger riders to have completed a course before they can get a motorcycle endorsement. Some States will issue motorcycle endorsements on drivers license’s without a required a riding test when there is proof of a completed training course. Many insurance companies also reward their customers when they take a motorcycle safety course with lower premiums and deductibles. All these benefits are great when you are considering taking a motorcycle safety course, but the biggest benefit is the safety of the motorcyclist and the hundreds of others they share the road with every day.