Marines and motorcycles: a deadly combination *

Along with sporting a new tattoo, many young Marines like to show off a new motorcycle upon returning home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the combination of bravado and inexperience has led to an alarming increase in the number of motorcycle deaths and injuries among Marines and other members of the armed forces. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports that motorcycle accidents last year killed 19 Marines, the largest number in several years:

Military commanders say the deaths are largely the result of boredom, bonus pay that can top $20,000 and $30,000, and adrenalin to burn off after troops return from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

All Marines and other troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are now required to attend sessions on motorcycle and off-road vehicle safety. Some Marines call them "Don't Be Stupid" lectures.

In addition, the Marine Corps is sponsoring popular motorcycle stunt shows that stress safety. On Saturday in Twentynine Palms, more than 14,000 Marines and members of the public attended such a show, where professional motorcycle drivers like Tony Carbajal wowed the crowds with their skills while clad in helmets, spine protectors and other safety gear.

"Lots of them like to ride but they don't have a lot of experience and they don't know a lot about proper riding gear," Carbajal said of the Marines. "The next thing you know, they're getting hurt or killed."

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo: Sean Gust / Associated Press

*The photo in this post, which featured a CHP motorcycle crash, has been replaced with a 'civilian' motorcycle. Thanks to the readers who pointed out the goof.

Comments

[mr smith]

The picture resembles a police motorcycle that is in the accident. No matter how much gear you have on "YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID". They just need to remeber to ride smart and safe..

S/F

[me smith]

Picture looks like a police motorcycle,

[Ron]

Time for a new leisure and fun activity like water skiing or jet skiing.

[JJ]

Hey me smith,

It is a CHP motorcycle cop!

L.A. Times goofed again!

[Veronique]

Thanks, me smith and JJ, for the heads-up on the photo. It's just an illustration, but I've swapped for a civilian motorcycle.

Veronique

[Keith]

Everyone says that it is the deployments, and bonuses, that are makeing the military buy motorcycles? Hows about the high gas prices? Also with more people buying motorcycles, because they are good on gas, the more accidents there are...

[Zimmer in Reith]

they should learn proper cautions while riding motor cycles, hope someone will teach their hard heads with that lessons.