Members of the Navy Region Northwest Motorcycle Riders Safety Council (MRSC) signed its charter into effect June 13,
which is intended to act as the “eyes and ears” of the regional commander for motorcycle safety issues.
Rear Adm. James A. Symonds and Command Master Chief (SS) Ronald Johnson signed their names to the charter as well,
putting into place the platform for the MRSC to provide direct feedback to regional leadership.
“We’ve got initiatives and instructions in place, so we’re all the same across the Region,” said Johnson.
The importance of proactive motorcycle safety is a Navywide issue. Already this year, the Navy and Marine Corps team
has lost 29 Sailors and Marines in motorcycle mishaps, as of May 30. Symonds emphasized what he hopes to be the
end result of the motorcycle safety charter.
“We cannot continue to let young folks kill themselves on motorcycles,” Symonds said. “We may just save some lives here.”
According to Region Safety Specialist Todd Greenwood, it is important for a motorcycle rider to be seen, but this charter will
allow riders to be heard as well.
”The reason behind this was to let all riders and commands have a voice,” said Greenwood. “It allows all riders and commands
an opportunity to have issues and concerns be addressed to the group. Once it has been discussed and documented, it then
goes up to the Navy Region Northwest Commander.”
The MRSC is looking for command representatives to take an active part in the council in order to give each command a voice
in motorcycle safety. If your command would like to have a representative attend the meeting please contact the Regional
Safety Office at (360)396-4250.
You can also get Northwest Region-specific driver safety information by googling “Navy Region Northwest Driver Improvement.”
Some highlights from the motorcycle safety charter:
- Provide motorcycle riders the opportunity to bring forth ideas, suggestions, recommendations and concerns to Commander,
Navy Region Northwest and the Regional Safety Office.
- The council will commission customer satisfaction groups to assess surveys and focus groups to ascertain the continuing
viability of all motorcycle safety operations.
- Help ensure wise choices for motorcycle and equipment purchases.
- Assigned committee members will serve a two-year term and will rotate upon completion of their term.