The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports that 19 Marines were killed while riding their motorcycles last year, supposedly the highest level ever recorded. In addition, 77 Army personnel were killed in the same way last year.

To help combat that, the military is lecturing its members on the dangers of riding motorcycles, what many refer to as the "don't be stupid" lecture.

Apparently, the cause of all this are two things: boredom, and lots of money.

Marines returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan are paid combat pay in addition to their usual pay. On top of that, many of them are able to save thousands of dollars by moving out of their apartments, and storing their belongings into a storage space, before shipping out.

So, when they come back to the states, they've lots of money to spend, and almost nothing to do. As the Press-Enterprise explains...

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.

Carbajal, 21, said Marines and motorcycles can make a bad mix.

Last Sunday, here in Southern California, the Marines sponsored a motorcycle stunt show in Twentynine Palms, designed to attract thousands of military personnel, and at the same time, demonstrate the importance of safety gear.

Read the full article at the Press-Enterprise...
http://www.pe.com/..../PE_News_Local_H_extreme27.42563f8.html

Labels: Motorcycle Statistics