Motorcycle crashes, shootings, train accidents killed Fort Hood soldiers in 2012

While Fort Hood saw 19 suicides in 2012 — nearly double that of 2011 and just three less than the record 22 suicides in 2010 — even more soldiers suffered untimely deaths at the Army post in incidents ranging from motorcycle crashes to shootings to train accidents.

At least a dozen Fort Hood soldiers died in vehicle crashes in 2012; eight were on motorcycles. Motor vehicle crashes, and especially motorcycle crashes, are a long-standing problem throughout the military, and a 2012 Statesman investigation found similarly high numbers of motor vehicle crashes among Texas veterans who died after returning from war and leaving the military.

The motorcycle deaths come despite the extensive training and safety measures that Fort Hood officials require of all soldiers who ride a motorcycle. Officials and safety experts have said that returning service members can struggle with driving outside a war zone, where aggressive habits such as fast driving, avoiding unknown objects on the road and not coming to a stop help keep soldiers alive.

Riders must take up to three training courses, participate in a mentorship coaching program and wear fluorescent vests, helmets and eye protection. And soldiers returning from deployments must take a refresher course before riding again.

Several of the reported deaths were the result of extremely risky behavior on the part of soldiers. Among those killed in 2012 were a soldier who lost control while “doing wheelies” outside a Fort Hood-area restaurant in April and another who died during a February police chase after participating in motorcycle races on a Killeen avenue, according to Fort Hood safety memos.

Three Fort Hood soldiers were killed by gunshots last year. One was killed in October during an argument outside an off-post house party; another by a fellow soldier who told authorities he was trying to cure the victim’s hiccups by scaring him with a gun he thought was loaded with dummy rounds. One soldier was shot and killed by Fort Hood police after they came under fire while approaching his car, which was parked near a lake on the post.

Two soldiers were killed in train-related incidents outside Fort Hood. In the first, a soldier drove past lowered gate guards at a railroad crossing and was struck by an oncoming train. In the second incident, freight train engineers said they saw a body on the tracks in Copperas Cove before running over a soldier. It’s unclear how the soldier ended up on the tracks; police refused to release further information on the incident. One Fort Hood soldier died from an unintentional drug overdose, according to Fort Hood officials. The 2012 Statesman investigation found overdoses, particularly of prescription drugs, were nearly as prevalent as suicides among Texas veterans receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Several of last year’s untimely Fort Hood deaths remain unexplained. Five soldiers, ranging in age from 24 to 47, were found “unresponsive” in their homes or barracks, according to Fort Hood officials, but their deaths weren’t ruled suicide or overdose by medical examiners. Fort Hood officials didn’t provide their causes of death.

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Source: Statesman (Schwarts, 1/19)

Texas Tornado Boot Camp 2013 Camp Dates

Texas Tornado Boot Camp is alive n kickin' and ready for a new year! Edwards and crew are gettin’ ready to fire up the bikes for its 2013 season. It’s looking to be one heck of a WEEK-LONG-RACER-CAMP coming up at the end of this month.

Texas Tornado Boot Camp will be hosting special guest instructors; 2012 AMA Pro Daytona Sportbike racer Jake Zemke and the one and only Mr. Daytona, Scott Russell will be in attendance. These boys will be at camp ALL WEEK and are ready to get rowdy with ya’ll!

The week camp will be stacked full of racing curriculum, team challenges, endurance races, gun challenges, a points paying four-race series and of course, all the after-hours, smack talkin’ bench racing you can handle.

Folks, we mean to give you all the skills that two former World Superbike Champions and a 2008 Formula Extreme Champion can muster up! Better bring your big boy pants; it’s going to be one for the record books!

Get prepared for your 2013 racing season by joining us, January 28th- February 3rd

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? ONLY 6 SPOTS LEFT! GET SIGNED UP RACERS, THE TEXAS FUN AWAITS!

2013 TTBC Schedule

January 28th - February 3rd- 1 Week Racer Camp (Special Price $1950.00)

March 6th & 7th 2-Day Road Race School- Harris Hill Raceway (Featuring Colin Edwards for the Special Price of $1200.00)

March 9th - DIRT WARS I (Special Price $125.00)

April 13th - 16nd 4 Day Camp - Pre-Austin GP

April 23rd - 26th 4 Day Camp - Post-Austin GP

June 6th - 9th 4 Day Camp

July 25th - 28th 4 Day Camp - Post-Laguna GP

August 10th - 13th 4 Day Camp - Pre-Indy GP

October 31st - November 3rd 4 Day Camp- Halloween

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Source: Motorcycle USA (Waheed, 1/9)

BMW Recalling 2,385 Motorcycles for Kickstand Problem

BMW is recalling 2,385 of its 2012-13 motorcycles to keep gravity from having its way with them.

In a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW said the kickstand on its S 1000 RR models could fail, allowing the $15,000 motorcycle to topple over.

BMW told the safety agency that the problem was that the attachment threads were not properly cleaned. So the remaining bits of metal could allow the bolts to loosen and the kickstand could separate from the frame.

BMW told the agency it had its first report of a problem in March followed by five more in June and July. “Given the low number of warranty claims and the long period of time in which the claims were received,” BMW said it continued to “monitor” the situation.

Following some additional reports in Germany – as well as in the United States – BMW began investigating in October, found the cause and concluded a recall was needed.

BMW described the recall as “voluntary,” but once a manufacturer finds a safety problem it has five business days to inform the safety agency of its plan for a recall or face civil fines.

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Source: The New York Times (Jensen, 12/28)

Winter Motorcycle Riding Tips

For Bikers, winter riding is not a simple option. Their bikes hibernate in their garage, with a thick lawyer of grease to protect it until spring arrives once more.

But bike hibernation doesnt need to happen. with a few changes in your riding style and the right kit, you can ride your motorcycle averywhere.

Its important to be cautious while riding in the winter for the many dangers it brings with its beauty. Below are some tips to keep riding, and most importantly be safe while riding in cold weather.

Wrap up against weather

It may sound obvious, but investing in specialist winter riding gear can make a massive difference to your winter warmth and comfort. One-piece leathers are clearly the best as they offer less opportunity for the icy wind to find a way in. If you can't afford these, make sure your layers overlap well.

If you can only invest in one piece of winter kit, then make it a quality pair of gloves. Modern technology has created a range of waterproof, thermally efficient gloves that will keep your hands warm and dry as you ride. Failing that, make sure you keep a spare pair of inner gloves in your pocket so you can change them if they get wet. The wet pair can then dry in your pocket from your body heat ready to be changed again.

Riding in the correct kit is not just a comfort issue either. If you're wet and cold, you will tire more easily and will not respond as sharply to events around you. This is particularly true of cold fingers. Combine these slower reactions with the more hazardous roads of winter, and you've got more potential problems.

Respect the winter roads

From the autumn storms, when rain falls on roads which have accumulated grease and oil all summer, to the treacherous black ice of winter frosts, the riding conditions in winter demand your utmost respect.

The simple advice is to take it easy. Save your carefree open-road riding for those glorious summer mornings. In winter the conditions need as much care as you can muster. Not only will there be much less grip on wet and icy roads, you will also be challenged by the wind and the rain as you ride along. So use your lane, and give yourself space to adapt, adjust, and slow down. And if you have a long ride ahead, plan to stop and warm up along the way.

Stop, revive, and survive

It's worth remembering that poor conditions affect everyone else around you too. Motorists, who struggle to see bikes at the best of times, are even less likely to see you when their windows are misted up. Even pedestrians become a real hazard, as they bow their heads to the rain or hunch up against the cold, leaving them prone to walk out in front of you without looking properly.

Wet Roads

Increase the breaking distance between you and other vehicles to account for wet and greasy road conditions. By increasing your distance you will get minimal spray of other vehicles and will be able to judge and anticipate other road users driving much easier. Watch out for wet leaves on the road. These can make the surface slippery and could make you lose control.

Vision

Bad weather such as fog or even low winter sun can restrict your view. Be aware of the hazards; ride to suit the road conditions. Rider Visibility

Bikers need to be as visible as possible to other road users. By wearing reflective clothing it helps other road users to see you, especially on dark mornings and early evenings. By making contact with drivers using their mirrors, this also makes you visible to the driver.

Signal earlier

Signal earlier to give as much notice as possible to other road users of your intentions.

Lights

Check your lights regularly to make sure they are working. Also ensure your lights are visible and clear of dirt.

Tires

Check your tire pressure to ensure it's suitable for winter riding.

Mirrors

In winter months, use anti-misting spray on your visor and mirrors.

Strong winds

Try to avoid riding in strong winds, however if it is absolutely necessary then be aware of hazardous objects being swept onto the roads such as carrier bags, boxes, branches of trees, cones etc.

If you do have to go out this winter on your bike, stay alert and ride well within your limit.

But For all the problems of winter riding, it still beats standing at a bus stop in the rain, or struggling to de-ice your frozen car every morning. With a little planning and a little care, you'll be enjoying the sunshine of spring before you know it.

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Source: Bennets (AP)

EXCELLENT IDEA OF THE DAY: CUSTOM WOOD HELMETS

While many in the helmet industry are busy finding the latest technological innovations to build new, safer helmets, one man in Oregon is turning to a primitive material to make custom-designed helmets that absorb more energy than the standard plastics: wood.

Dan Coyle has been making helmets (and paddles and even eyeglass frames) since the 1990s, Outside Magazine reports. Now, with some help from Indiegogo, Coyle is selling his Tree Piece Helmets and billing them as "The First Sustainably Built Natural Fiber Bicycle Helmet."

The helmets are made of salvaged wood -- mostly Douglas fir -- and lined with cork, making them more durable than polycarbonate. At 21 ounces, they're heavier than a racing helmet, but on par with a typical recreational helmet. There's some circulation and venting from the cork liner, but the company admits the helmets are generally warmer than plastic.

Although Coyle has had the helmets tested (favorably) at an impact lab, certification calls for large-scale production. He's hoping to get funding for two of his models to be certified through his current Indiegogo campaign.

One of the most frequent questions Coyle gets is, "Won't the wood crack?" The answer is a partial yes, in an accident.

"The cracking that happens in a wood shell as in a foam helmet is energy being diverted into the destruction of the helmet rather than the skull," his website explains. "On the other hand, it is still important that the shell retain some integrity and not fragment. HMVK, the polyurea compound we coat the inside of each shell with, allows the shell to absorb energy without fragmenting in an accident."

One undeniable difference, however? The price tag. The helmets start at $375.

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Source: Discovery News (Eldred, 12/14)

Oklahoma's lack of helmet laws for adult motorcyclists still gets debate

The most recent statistics available from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office show there were 98 motorcycle fatalities in 2011.

It's the freedom of choice they like.

They ride their motorcycles with the wind in their hair and say helmets shouldn't be required by law.

This is a motocycle helmet worn by Jim Watson, of Edmond, during motorcycle safety training Saturday July 26, 2008 at Edmond Fire Station 5.

Our position is very simple, that helmets are a very good device but it should be our choice whether to wear one.”

John Pierce, Legislative chairman for the American Bikers Active Toward Education In Oklahoma, adults 18 and older don't have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, only those younger than 18.

John Pierce, 69, of Collinsville, staunchly defends bikers' choice to wear a helmet. Pierce is the legislative chairman for the American Bikers Active Toward Education, a group of about 1,100 motorcycle enthusiasts in the state.

“Our position is very simple, that helmets are a very good device but it should be our choice whether to wear one,” Pierce said. “We believe we have the right to decide whether to wear a helmet.”

Others say it is a safety issue and helmets should be mandatory. No helmet law increases insurance rates, they say.

The most recent statistics available from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office show there were 98 motorcycle fatalities in 2011.

Of those killed, 81 percent were not wearing helmets. In 2010, the figures were 78 people killed and 85 percent not wearing helmets.

Oklahoma City police have reported 10 motorcycle fatalities this year. Seven of those people were not wearing helmets, police Capt. Dee Patty said. In 2011, Oklahoma City police worked eight fatal motorcycle crashes; six people who died did not wear helmets, Patty said.

AAA Oklahoma, a company that sells insurance, supports enacting an Oklahoma helmet law to save lives, spokesman Chuck Mai said.

“The proof is there. AAA Oklahoma strongly supports enactment of legislation requiring motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets and encourages all motorcycle riders to educate themselves of the lifesaving qualities of helmet use,” Mai said.

He said motorcycle insurance premiums can be affected by claims in a geographic area.

Texas does not require a helmet for adult riders age 21 and older who have $10,000 medical insurance coverage. Kansas requires motorcycle riders younger than 18 to wear helmets.

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Source: NewsOK (Medly, 12/17)

Motorcycle deaths, injuries cost $16 billion

WASHINGTON— Direct costs from deaths and injuries due to motorcycle crashes were $16 billion in 2010, but the full cost is likely higher because long-term medical expenses are difficult to measure, a government report said.

Motorcyclists are involved in fatal crashes at higher rates than drivers of other types of vehicles, and are 30 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger car occupants, according to the Government Accountability Office report.

In 2010, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,502 were killed in crashes, the report said. The average cost for a fatal crash was estimated at $1.2 million, while the cost for injuries ranged from $2,500 to $1.4 million depending upon the severity.

It's difficult to determine the full costs with accuracy because some types of costs are difficult to measure, the report said. For example, treating serious injuries can be long and expensive, but follow-up analyses of costs are conducted only for a few years. Also, other consequences of long-term injuries such as changes in employment and living status can't be fully measured, the report said.

Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proven effective in reducing fatalities and injuries, the report said. Several studies have estimated helmets reduce the risk of death by as much as 39 percent, the report said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated helmets saved the lives of 1,550 motorcyclists in 2010.

However, there has been strong opposition from motorcycle groups to "universal" helmet laws, and only 19 states have them. Another 28 states have "partial" helmet laws that require only some motorcyclists to wear helmets, usually riders under age 21 or under age 18.

Three states have no helmet laws: Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire. Earlier this year, Michigan legislators repealed that state's helmet requirement for motorcyclists over 21. Other proposals to repeal mandatory helmet laws were considered in California, Maryland, Missouri and Tennessee.

While many motorcycle groups endorse the use of helmets, they also oppose mandatory helmet laws as infringements on personal liberties and their right to assume the risk of riding without a helmet, the report said.

"We are 100 percent pro-helmet, and 100 percent anti-helmet law," Jeff Hennie, vice president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, said. "Putting a helmet law in place does not reduce motorcycle fatalities."

Educating other motorists to look out for motorcyclists, and teaching motorcyclists how to ride safely, "is the ultimate solution for saving lives," he said.

But Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which supports mandatory helmet laws, said: "Education is not a substitute for wearing a helmet." "It's like saying if you take a driver's ed class, you don't have to wear your seat belt," she said. "Now how silly is that?"

Partial helmet laws are also difficult to enforce because it's hard for police to tell the age of motorcyclists as they go whizzing by, she said.

The National Transportation Safety Board dropped mandatory helmet laws from their list of ten "most wanted" safety improvements earlier this month, angering some safety advocates.

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Source: AP (11/28)

Holiday gift ideas for bikers

The holidays are just around the corner. If you are having difficulties on getting something for that special someone, do not worry, Biker Lawyer has you covered!

Great gifts for him:

Water-resistant 100% nylon twill with poly-twill quilted lining. Zipper front. Rib-knit collar, cuffs and waist. Two zipper hand-warmer pockets and two interior pockets. Embroidered appliqué on right sleeve, front and back.

The Microwire™ is woven into a heating matrix within the glove and provides consistent heat coverage to the entire length of each finger, including the thumb as well as the back of the hand. 95% leather, 5% neoprene gloves with waterproof, breathable Aquatex™ lliner. Electrical plug-ins built into gauntlet cuff. Includes connecting harness, power switch, and three prong harness to go up jacket sleeves. Can be worn alone or with other heated clothing. Padded palms, drawcord closure and graphics in contrasting colors.

Hybrid fiberglass composite shell that results in a lighter weight than traditional fiberglass shells. Quick release face shield mechanism. Front and rear vent to provide maximum air flow. Removable, washable Nylex® liner wicks moisture away for maximum comfort. Fits P&A Helmet Headset and Road Tech™ Helmet Headset with Bluetooth® 2.0 Technology (P/N 98272-09VM) sold separately. Helmet bag included. Custom graphics.

Great gifts for her:

Ideal vest for adding patches and pins. Lightweight leather with poly-twill lining. V-neck with snap front. Embroidered graphics on left hem.

Constructed of full grain leather upper, full length cushion sock lining, and YKK® locking inside zipper. Rubber mini-lug outsole and Goodyear® welt construction. Shaft height: 12.5"; Heel height: 1.5". Riding appropriate footwear.

Fiberglass shell. Double D-ring chin strap. Chin and forehead venting. Tool-free removable face shield. Helmet bag included. Allover graphics. Meets DOT requirements. KBC®, 3 lbs. 8 oz.

Preventing Motorcycle Theft

The holidays are just around the corner and its a season to enjoy family, but we must not forget that it is also the season for high theft rate. Here are some tips to prevent theft during the holidays.

• Lock your ignition and remove the key. Most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.

• Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.

• If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.

• If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled, such as a light pole.

• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.

• When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.

• Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your bike, to make sure there are no suspicious individuals lurking about.

• If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.

• Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.

• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.

• Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.

• Be careful about giving out private information on where you live, work or play.

If you use a trailer to transport your motorcycle, follow these safety tips:

• Park the trailer in a well-lit location near security cameras or in an area easily seen by restaurant, hotel or event staff.

• Lock the trailer doors and hitch.

• Secure doors by backing up to a wall, so there is not enough room for doors to be opened.

• Know your trailer identification and license plate registration numbers.

• When riding home, make sure you’re not being followed.

Guard against theft when selling your bike:

Using fake identities has become common in bike thefts. Don’t turn over the title until you can verify the check or money order is valid and has cleared the bank. Mail the title to the new owner.

• Ask the buyer for his or her name, address, date of birth and driver’s license number. Then ask to see the driver’s license and check that the information given matches the license.

• Be especially cautious of anyone who presents out-of-state identification.

• Make sure the potential buyer wasn’t dropped off by another party and is planning to take a one-way test ride with your bike. Verify that the buyer owns the vehicle he or she arrived with, and that the vehicle is of equal or greater value than your bike.

• Check that the buyer's driver’s license carries a valid motorcycle endorsement.

• It isn’t necessary that you provide a buyer with the title right away. A written document signed by the seller and buyer indicating price and method of payment can serve as proof of purchase. You can forward the title to the buyer once the check has cleared the bank.

• If you decide to sell your motorcycle on consignment, do not provide the signed title to the dealership until you have received your money in full. Make sure the dealership is a reputable business before you trust them as an agent.

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Source: Motorcycel Safety Foundation