Author Topic: Returning Soldiers Dying on Motorcycles (Read 3630 times)

1200 bandits · « **on:** February 09, 2006, 09:01:21 PM »

http://www.click2houston.com/automotive/6781320/detail.html

Saw this link posted on CMG.

Sure to generate comments.

ant_129 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2006, 10:15:55 PM »

Atleast they recognize a problem and are attempting to fix it.

Tundrahog · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2006, 11:51:54 PM »

Hooray for the military

sounds like they are taking the right approach. any other government agency woud have spent millions studing the problem, and solved it by banning motorcycles, or denying health coverage to service members injured in a motorcycle accident.

aircav1182 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2006, 03:58:02 PM »

Having just returned from the North Central area (Tikrit) around the end of November, I can relate to the adrenaline rush void. I have found myself riding a bit more aggressively at times but the thought of making it through all that crap over there kind of gives me a feeling of "Thank God I'm still alive" type of attitude and I quickly come back to my senses. My age (43) and the fact that I'm scared of damaging my B12S helps me keep things in check as well.
The military (Army for me) is doing the right thing by promoting the Motor Cycle Saftey Course. I was ordered to go to it and ended up learning things that have saved my ass on a few occasions.
I wonder if I can talk them in to giving up some track day vouchers to help with the adrenaline thing.....

Tony Wood

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2006, 08:24:23 PM »

Quote from: "aircav1182"

I wonder if I can talk them in to giving up some track day vouchers to help with the adrenaline thing...

You can tell them it's OK with me to use my tax dollars for that!

You deserve it!

tacoman · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2006, 01:48:45 PM »

This has been going on a long time. After WWII we had hundreds of ex-fighter pilot jocks that couldn't get their thrill anywhere else but a bike. Its how the outlaw biker gangs got their start. Only difference I see is that back then those guys were riding bulky old Harleys and Indians that put out about 30 hp. The GIs today looking for a thrill are on mega hp superbikes on crowded roads, not good. Safety courses and a track day is a good idea.

solman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2006, 04:27:59 AM »

It is sad to see that they survive the war, only to die at home. To top it off, the numbers are higher at home.

meanstrk · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2006, 09:47:56 AM »

Please note that these number of deaths are compared to deaths in Afghanistan and not Iraq. We are talking a very limited number here and in reality, not many more than were getting injured or killed before. The real problem is that these guys are coming back from theater with loads of cash in the bank and are buying bikes and trying to ride without training.

Bikes are becoming an increasing problem with deaths and injuries in all sectors of life, not just military. As they become more and more popular, it is inevitable that more get killed or injured.

I can tell you that that quoted number of 350 since 2001 is a high, unrealistic number.

tacoman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:48:55 PM »

Hey, thats how General Patton died. Many skirmishs with the Germans and he gets hit by a car at home and dies. Even Lawrence of Arabia died on his bike at home. I was reading an article in Cycle and mc deaths are way up, it says congress is looking into it. I just hope they realize its the rider and not bikes so we don't get all kinds of worthless safety gadgets tacked on.

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2006, 09:58:34 AM »

They keep reporting on the increased deaths in the m/c stats and mostly attribute the increase to the >40 crowd. One thing I haven't seen is how often is alcohol involved. I'm curious to know if this increase can be attributed to new/returning "bikers" and bar hopping on their cruisers. Seems like a likely assumption given that's the type of bike most popular in the >40 age group.

tacoman · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2006, 02:39:02 PM »

Alcohol I'm sure is a factor. On my Sunday ride to Pt Defiance park at the entrance there is a tavern advertising "40 ales on tap". The lot was full of Harleys & cruisers, I doubt they were drinking sodas.