FT McPHERSON, GA. (June 20, 2006) - The open road is full of obstacles that can close a casket. 

-- May 13, 2006, a special forces Soldier was fatally injured when a vehicle pulled in front of his motorcycle.  

-- March 12, 2006 a non-commissioned officer hit an oil spot on the road with his motorcycle, dislocating his toe.

Each and every story behind a motorcycle accident involves a different antagonist; from loose gravel to inattentive drivers to overconfidence.

So far during this fiscal year 32 Soldiers have died in motorcycle crashes.  The number is rising from previous years; 24 in ’05 and only 8 during the same time period in ’04.  

Safety reports document the reckless driving by Soldiers including speeding over 100 mph, weaving in and out of congested traffic, driving under the influence, and colliding with other vehicles. 

-- In October a staff sergeant attempted to pass a vehicle by driving into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision and the Soldier’s death.  The civilian driving the other vehicle in the accident had no injuries. 

-- In Germany, a warrant officer decided to pass an automobile at a high rate of speed around a curve, causing the bike to veer off into a ditch.  The Soldier became airborne and now lives with a permanent disability. 

But not all of the reports ended with the words “…resulting in fatality.”

For example in November, a wheelie popping Soldier sped into a parked car resulting in a broken clavicle, torn ligaments in the wrist, broken thumb, and a dislocated finger.

Another Soldier lost control of his motorcycle and hit a fence severing a foot, fracturing vertebrae and his arm.

Examples of death and deformity may not persuade Soldiers to be safer on motorcycles, but daredevils and speed junkies should know that they risk their military careers if they break the law while on their bikes.    

State or local authorities can punish Soldiers with DUI/DWI or reckless driving charges that will result in some combination of fines, jail time, community service and probation.  It is not widely known that civilian convictions can then put military careers at risk. 

If a Soldier is convicted for reckless driving or DUI off post, his commander can write a letter of reprimand that is put in the Soldier’s file, potentially affecting future assignments or promotions. 

Military and local authorities share concurrent jurisdiction, meaning a Soldier can get arrested for serious traffic violations off post and the Army could prosecute the case. 

According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, a Soldier convicted of drunken or reckless driving (Article 111) that does not cause injury to others can receive a maximum punishment of a bad conduct discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and imprisonment of up to six months. 

If a Soldier is convicted of the same offense but the case also involves the personal injury of someone else then the Soldier could face a Dishonorable Discharge, fines, and jail of up to 18 months. 

Soldier-drivers make simple and instant decisions all the time.  Enjoying an extra beer before climbing on your bike or speeding a little faster to pass a minivan may seem insignificant at the time, but those choices can have long term and devastating effects on your life. 

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