MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- The Motorcycle Safety Fair hosted by depot Safety, the MCRD Command Museum and the Single Marine Program took place at the Boathouse and Marina July 17.
The goal of the fair was to boost service members’ awareness of motorcycle safety in an upbeat atmosphere while also informing service members about changes to motorcycle policy Marine Corps wide; however, the event had a somber start.
The event took place on a day the Marine Corps sustained another Marine death due to a motorcycle-related accident. This accident marked the fifth two-wheel death the Marine Corps has suffered in July, putting the total number of Marines lost in motorcycle-related incidents at 20 since Oct. 1, making this fiscal year the deadliest on record.
“Marines have the mentality, especially young Marines, that they are invincible. We have to change that outlook,” said Sgt. Maj. Terry Hoskins, Headquarters and Service Battalion.
The recent fatality drove the point home that as a whole the military must continue to get the message out to service members that safety is paramount when operating a motorcycle.
Colonel. Ken Helfrich, commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion issued the opening remarks of the fair, speaking about the importance of taking motorcycle safety classes, the wearing of proper personal protective equipment, and the responsibility of every Marine to ensure that fellow Marines adhere to the new updates to Marine Corps policy.
“The safety of Marines is our main concern,” said Helfrich. “We (the Marine Corps) are losing too many Marines to preventable accidents.”
The attendees were free to visit the displays and vendor booths set up around the recreation area. Some of the vendors on site included the San Diego Police Department, Law Tigers motorcycle injury lawyers, and RND Motor sports.
While the SDPD raised awareness via static displays, other vendors donated prizes for the raffles. Items like free gas cards, motorcycle accessories, and the grand prize, a new riding jacket and helmet, were raffled off throughout the day.
“Protective equipment is important” said Hoskins. “Everything has a purpose, from the helmet on your head to the boots on your feet.”
“Did you have a bicycle when you were younger?” Hoskins asked the crowd.
Sounds like a strange question at first, but it quickly makes sense as the sergeant major continues with his question.
“Do you remember what it felt like to fall off your bike going no more than 10 miles per hour?” he continued. “Now imagine doing so going 40 miles per hour on a motorcycle. That’s slow when you think about it, but without protective equipment it could be devastating.”
The majority of the riders in attendance had stories to share, like the most recent ride they have taken through a scenic back road or a new upgrade they have made to their bikes. Stories about a friend who had an accident or more personal experiences with laying a bike down themselves filled the air around picnic tables as patrons shared lunch together.
“We as leaders need to be active in ensuring that our Marines are doing the right thing,” said Hoskins, “The lessons learned in a (motorcycle) safety course are important, but they don’t replace our role as leaders.”
Motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility, both riders and non-riders alike.
“We should all ensure the riders we know are doing the right thing every time they ride whether it is as leaders passing information to junior Marines, or just as one rider to another, said,” Hoskins.