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Corps nears record for motorcycle fatalities

Two Marines died in motorcycle accidents over the weekend, bringing the fiscal 2008 total to 17 fatalities, and putting the Corps closer to the record of 19 set in fiscal 2007.

On Saturday, Cpl. Jason L. Davis, 21, of Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, died about 4:20 a.m. after hitting a curb and being thrown to the street on Lady’s Island, S.C.

Davis was brought to Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, S.C., where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 5:25 a.m.

The second fatality occurred Sunday when a staff sergeant stationed at Recruiting Station San Diego was killed in Yucca Valley, Calif., when his motorcycle veered off the road, striking a curb and hitting a tree, according to a message posted on the Naval Safety Center Web site. His name was being withheld Monday afternoon.

According to the Naval Safety Center, the fatalities bring the number of total private motor vehicles in the Corps since Oct. 1 to 38. Both incidents remain under investigation.

In April, the Corps launched a safety crackdown, requiring Marines planning to buy a motorcycle to inform their commanders before making the purchase.

Commandant Gen. James Conway's April 25 all-Marine message also emphasized mandatory seatbelt use, held Marine leaders more accountable for safety and said traffic violations could lead to courts-martial. Conway has given noncommissioned officers the authority to disapprove leave and liberty through the summer months.