CMC: Spike in Motorcycle Deaths 'Completely Unacceptable'

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on May 05, 2008

In the past seven months, 14 Marines died in auto accidents, and seven died in motorcycle accidents, an alarming trend that represented a higher loss of life than 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.

CMC, Gen. James T. Conway, expressed his concern over the staggering loss of life. He asked leaders to get tough on vehicle safety laws, especially with motorcyclists. Motorcyclists must report their bikes so that their license, registration, and training can be verified.

May is considered Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.