MOTORCYCLE MISHAPS TOP SUMMER DEATH TOLL

  • Published
  • By Tim Barela
  • Torch Magazine
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When the Critical Days of Summer wrapped up Sept. 3, the Air Force had suffered 16 fatalities, more than half from motorcycle mishaps.

The Critical Days of Summer is a high-risk time period from Memorial Day weekend in May to Labor Day weekend in September that historically sees mishaps rise. Of the Air Force's 16 fatalities, Air Education and Training Command suffered two, both from motorcycles.

In a July 24 memorandum to commanders, AETC Commander Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. stressed the need to curb this alarming trend.

"On the heels of AETC's 934-day motorcycle fatality-free period, we have now experienced three motorcycle fatalities since April 23," the general said. "Our command went nearly three years without a motorcycle fatality. ... I have high expectations for us to accomplish this plus more in the future."

A breakdown of the Air Force's 16 summer fatalities include:
  • Nine motorcycle mishaps -- six lost control in single-vehicle crashes, and the other three collided with another vehicle.
  • Two automobile mishaps -- one lost control and rolled, while the other lost control and struck a guardrail.
  • Two sports and recreation -- both drownings; one after jumping out of a boat, and the other while kayaking.
  • Two miscellaneous -- both in the home; one from electrocution while doing a repair under the house, and the other from a fire.
  • One bicycle -- struck by a car while riding at night.