Motorcycle and Auto Accident Deaths on the Rise

May 5, 2008

The increase in the number of motorcycle and auto accidents in the past seven months has prompted Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, to urge leaders to crack down on unsafe drivers and riders.

In the past seven months, 14 Marines died in auto accidents, while seven others in motorcycle accidents - an alarming trend that represented a higher loss of life compared to the number of Marines who died in combat in the same time frame. Since October of last year, 14 Marines were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The number of Marines who died on motorcycles has been high for the past three years. In 2007, 19 Marines died — the highest number of deaths recorded. In 2006, 17 motorcyclists died, four more than in 2005.

General Conway expressed his concern over the staggering loss of life. He asked leaders to get tough on vehicle safety laws, especially with motorcyclists. He also called on all motorcyclists to have their license, registration, and training verified.

May is considered Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.