MCRD Parris Island -- More service members have died from motorcycle accidents since Sept. 11, 2001, than while serving in Afghanistan. As spring approaches, more motorcyclists will be on the road.
With this in mind, service members from Parris Island and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort gathered at the air station March 2 for a motorcycle safety rally to refresh their riding skills.
The riders were divided into four stations, with each one focusing on a different aspect of motorcycle safety or riding skills.
Station one covered the motorcycle laws of South Carolina, and station two covered motorcycle maintenance. Station three was an obstacle course, which riders had to navigate, and station four was how to conduct a group ride.
Corporal Justin Kirk, carpenter, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, has been riding motorcycles for more than five years and said he earned a lot at the safety rally.
"I knew some of the hand and arm signals [used for group riding], but I didn't know they were different for each group," he said.
Sergeant Derrick Francis, eye level structural mechanic, MALS-31, noted that even experienced drivers were able to get something safety rally.
"The course was good for brushing up on my speed and reflex skills," said Francis. "I thought that the driving course was really good for any motorcyclist from beginning riders to intermediate level motorist."
Motorcyclist should be aware that in addition to state laws, the Depot and Marine Corps has its own laws and safety regulations by which they must abide.
Motorcyclist must have a certificate reflecting completion of the Motorcycle Operator Safety Course on their possession. Riders must also have a reflective upper garment and a Department of Transportation approved helmet. If the helmet is an open helmet, DoT approved safety goggles are required.
Passengers and drivers must also wear full-length pants, long sleeves and full-fingered gloves.
Motorcycle operators should also be aware that carrying passengers or materials in front of them, riding between lanes, passing other vehicles in same lane, riding two or more abreast, standing while driving or any form of showing off is prohibited.
For more information about motorcycle policies, visit the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov, or see MCO P5110.1E, MCO 5100.19, ASO P5110.1F and DepO P5560.8A.