NORFOLK, Va. — Navy leaders held a motorcycle safety class Thursday morning at Naval Station Norfolk. It’s critical training for service members to ensure their safety on the roads.
“Speeds are going up," said Rear Admiral Chris Engdahl, the commander of Naval Safety Command. "Distracted driving is going up, and it’s really hard for motorcycle riders to be seen.”
The U.S. Navy holds these free motorcycle courses for military members and veterans, but they are mandatory for military service members to operate a motorcycle.
Read Admiral Engdahl said part of the reason for that is because motorcycle crashes and deaths have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Another reason is that a high number of people who join the marine Corps and Navy are 18- to 24-year-olds, who are one of the most at-risk groups for motorcycle-related injuries.
“Just within the last fiscal year, 19 sailors and 10 marines have perished in motorcycle fatalities,” he said. “That’s across the nation.”
The program has been around for several years now, and it’s divided into three courses – basic, advanced and then a refresher class done every five years.
The courses provide riders with the basic mental and physical skills for riding and consists of both classroom and on-cycle instruction. The courses also provide maintenance tips and personal risk assessments to help improve perception and hazard awareness for both novice and skilled motorcycle riders.
Just in the Hampton Roads area, about 1,800 sailors and marines go through these classes, according to Fred McMullen, the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Manager for the Contracted Motorcycle Training Program.
The Navy hopes these courses raise awareness and educate riders on the proper procedures of riding and handling motorcycles on and off-base.
The rain didn't stop riders from learning something new on Thursday.
"Most of us as instructors, we actually like training in the rain," McMullen said . "When they learn how to ride in the rain, it actually gives them more incentive that they can do this."
Petty Officer Third Class Collin Hayman decided to take the course, even though he’s had experience on a motorcycle.
“It taught me to get that momentum and get the speed that I need to stop because I’ve had incidences where I messed up,” he said.
It’s also helping new riders feel more comfortable on the roads.
“In just a half a day so far, my confidence has already increased,” Chief Petty Officer Brandon Shea said.