Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of death to Marines and have taken their toll on friends and families, according the U.S. Department of Defense. Marine Corps leadership is now providing creative opportunities to help put an end to this trend.
Camp Pendleton officials provided Marines with the opportunity to learn from one of the best known motorcycle instructors in the industry. The training course took place at the 16 Area landing zone, April 22.
Lee Parks’ “Total Control” training course is a nationally known motorcycle training program designed for riders who want to improve their skills. The program starts with classroom instruction and then takes students to a closed-off circuit where they drive while an instructor watches and critiques their skills. The program focuses on specific safety situations such as concentration and attitude, and handling the bike during dangerous road conditions. The program’s main goal is to significantly reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic and recreational accidents in the Marine Corps.
“If we can save the life of just one Marine, we have done our job,” said Wayne A. Miller, safety instructor, Lee Parks' training program. “This course is something all Marines driving a motorcycle should take, even if they think they are experienced, there is still so much they can learn.”
Four courses are being held throughout the next week, training a total of 144 Marines to better handle their bikes.
“The amount of knowledge we are all getting from this is outstanding,” said Sgt. Ronald D. Hodan, motorcycle safety instructor, Camp Pendleton. “There is so much I am learning about my bike that I didn’t know before.”
A safety course instructor for Camp Pendleton, Hodan looks forward to implementing what he learned during the “Total Control” course in his classes.
Parks, through his program, teaches Marines across the nation, and providing information, training and tips to help them become safer riders.
“We are taking this program to as many installations as we can,” said Wally Trevains, safety regional lead, Marine Corps Installations West. “Marines have been saving the lives of people for years, and now its our turn to return the favor.”