CHP aims to lower motorcycle fatalities Camp Pendleton-based riders a primary concern

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CHP aims to lower motorcycle fatalities Camp Pendleton-based riders a primary concern for CHP 
.Andrea Verdin Staff Writer
The North County California Highway Patrol (CHP) office has seen a 50 percent drop in overall fatalities caused by auto collisions from 2010 to 2011; however, the number of fatalities caused by motorcycle collisions is expected to double.
"The number of fatalities for 2010 was seven, but we have already had five in 2011 and we are only halfway through the year," said CHP officer Chris Parent. "This is obviously a huge concern for us."
In 2010, 4,247 auto collisions occurred in the North County CHP’s jurisdiction; 223 of those collisions involved motorcycles, with 185 of those resulting in injury, aside from the seven fatalities.
"Our primary focus is reducing the mileage death rates, and the statistics of motorcycles versus regular vehicles in collisions show an increased risk of injury and death because riders are unprotected from the vehicle. In the CHP, we talk about motorcyclists slowing down and backing off other traffic," said Parent. "One of the biggest issues with motorcycles is when riders pass others unsafely on the right or left. Ninety percent of collisions would not occur if riders slowed down and gave themselves lateral space cushions to get out of trouble if necessary."
Parent stated that even low speed collisions could cause damage to motorcyclists.
"We had a minor collision on the East Mission and Main intersection where the motorcyclist passed on the right, unaware that the truck he was passing was going to make a right," said Parent. "It was a very low speed that would have caused minor damage and property damage if it had been two vehicles. The motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital because he was unprotected."
According to statistics given by the CHP, motorcycle collisions make up approximately five percent of all collisions in North County. However, 30 percent of all fatalities involve motorcycles.
"Statistics show that a motorcycle rider is 77 percent more likely to be injured than a regular driver," said Parent. "Our concern is to help riders understand these important factors. You can be the best rider in the world, but if you make a right pass and the driver of the vehicle chooses to make a right turn, [a collision] is completely unavoidable. The motorcyclist would be at fault for violating safety procedures."
In the Fallbrook area, the CHP is primarily concerned with Marines riding to and from Camp Pendleton on motorcycles.
"With active military, it’s a tough situation," said Parent. "These are trained soldiers who have a lot of self confidence in everything they do. And while that makes them good soldiers, they can’t Advertisement
[ Christ the King Lutheran Church ] have that self-confidence and sense of invincibility behind a wheel of a car or on a motorcycle. They have to ride cautiously."
The CHP has implemented specific target areas on Ammunition Road and Mission Road to help enforce safe motorcycle riding.
"The Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) has posted a ‘No Passing on Right’ sign on East Ammunition because of the injuries caused to motorcyclists," said Parent. "We have officers stationed there to make sure riders are obeying the signs, and in trouble spots like East and South Mission Road. The majority of officers out there are motorcycle officers, so they understand the risk involved with motorcycles."
Currently, the CHP is also working with high-ranking officials to help educate Marines on safety.
"We can’t have a Lt. Colonel passing cars going 40 mph with young Marines doing the same," said Parent. "Higher ranking officials have to lead by example. Rank is extremely important to military, and we want to help officials understand the importance and value of their leadership."
Parent stated that the CHP has spoken with base officials to help educate ranking officials, as well as to help set up a deterrent to help keep Marines from breaking motorcycle safety laws while on the road.
"There is no data to suggest that riders and drivers obey the law on base, but the reality is that military personnel do not speed on base," said Parent. "They get into a lot of hot water. I have been on base several times, and you don’t ever see anyone going over the limit. We want to find a way to emulate the same discipline pattern off base – one that would require Marines to contact their commanding officer if they are stopped or issued a citation. We are working to set up a meeting so we can discuss how we can hold these military personnel accountable for their actions on the road."
The CHP hopes to save as many lives as possible with these new changes, especially those of the military.
"I once heard a Master Gunnery Sergeant say that we cannot afford to lose a single Marine," said Parent. "When a Marine dies on a motorcycle it is a free kill for the enemy; a free kill for whoever we are fighting against."
Parent stated that by driving defensively, slowing down, using the visual horizon and backing off other traffic, motorcyclists could significantly reduce the amount of collisions that occur.
"Our hope is that people can slow down," said Parent. "They don’t need to be in a hurry, and they can relax and enjoy the ride."