NSW Personnel Participate in Motorcycle Safety Standdown

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Special Warfare (NSW) personnel attended a motorcycle safety standdown held at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado May 8.

The event helps prevent motorcycle mishaps by raising awareness during motorcycle safety month.

Cpl. Kotaro Murashige, a San Diego police officer, offered Sailors a presentation on motorcycle statistics, studies, and motorcycle specific laws.

"Statistically, the numbers of fatal collisions are going down because of the increase in training and awareness," said Murashige. "The safer everyone is, the less incidents and collisions we will have."

While motorcycle fatalities across the nation are down, numbers are holding steady in the Navy. Last year, there were 16 motorcycle-related fatalities Navy-wide, with one life lost within the NSW force. So far this year, there have been eight motorcycle-related fatalities, two of them from NSW ranks. According to Naval Special Warfare Force Master Chief Stephen Link, any loss within the force is one too many.

"We are a nation at war," said Link. "The admiral and I count noses; you are all precious resources and we need you in the fight. One unsafe act that takes even one of you out of our ranks lessens our nation's combat readiness. Be safe."

The leading cause of motorcycle deaths are head injuries. During the standdown, NSW personnel were briefed on the importance of wearing a helmet and other safety gear, such as reflective vests, gloves and pants rather than shorts.

"You need to take the necessary precautions when you ride a motorcycle," said Capt. Kerry Thompson, deputy NSW force surgeon and a 30 year veteran motorcyclist. "A major part of this is making sure gear is donned and fully functional."

Murashige explained how motorcyclists can drive defensively and safely.

Safety tips he offered included "driving right or left wheel." This refers to a rider who drives on one side of the lane rather than driving down the middle of the lane. Murashige said by doing so, drivers of surrounding vehicles will have a clear view of the motorcyclist.

Murashige also addressed lane splitting. He said motorcyclists should only drive between two lanes and weave through traffic when traffic has come to a stop. He explained that motorcyclists are so small, that vehicles often have a hard time seeing motorcyclists approach from behind, especially at higher speeds.

A field sobriety test demonstration illustrated the physical and mental effects of alcohol and how drinking and riding can impair a Sailor's judgment and motor skills while operating a motorcycle.

"There are so many repercussions when you drink and drive,' said Murashige. "You can't hide when you drink and drive a motorcycle. All you're doing is putting your life and everyone else on the road in jeopardy."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.21stcentury.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsw/.