ERIC CLARK

There are pros and cons to riding a motorcycle in a foreign country. First, though, riders must be familiar with the local laws of the host nation. There are several countries where there are no laws regarding the operation of a motorcycle, while others have written laws that are seldom enforced.

In Japan, for example, motorcyclists are permitted to ride between cars. This very dangerous practice could seriously injure or kill a rider if a driver decides to suddenly change lanes or open the vehicle door at a stop light. While stationed in Okinawa for several years, I saw firsthand just how differently the government enforces driving laws compared to the United States when I was involved in a motorcycle accident.

I’d left Kadena Air Base about 4 p.m. and was on my way home. As I neared an intersection about a half mile from Camp Foster, I noticed a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. I made visual contact with the driver and proceeded into the intersection since I had the right of way. Without pause, the driver then turned right into my path of travel.

I had no time to apply the brakes, and my motorcycle struck the vehicle on the front left fender. The impact sent me airborne, and I landed on the hood of the vehicle. My momentum then carried me about another 20 feet. I landed hard on my right shoulder and finally came to rest on the other side of the vehicle. My motorcycle was lying on its side, dripping oil.

When I stood up, I realized I could not move my right arm. An ambulance transported me to U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, where X-rays determined my right shoulder was dislocated. The doctor gave me a large dose of painkillers before resetting my shoulder. They released me later that evening and I was placed in a limited duty status. I had to attend physical therapy due to the severity of the damage to my shoulder.

Fortunately, I was wearing all of the proper personal protective equipment required by the Status of Forces Agreement, which likely lessoned the severity of my injuries. Unfortunately, my $400 Shoei helmet was ruined, as was my leather jacket. The estimate to repair my motorcycle was about $3,000. Amazingly, the driver’s insurance company, as well as my own, settled and concluded the accident was my fault. The Japanese government essentially said that if I hadn’t been in the country, the accident wouldn’t have occurred.

I’ve been an avid motorcyclist for nearly 30 years. Despite this accident, I still own and ride motorcycles, but I learned a very valuable lesson that day. Before riding in another foreign country, I will always make it a priority to first become familiar with all the local laws regarding motorcycles.

Did You Know?

Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The observance coincides with the beginning of riding season for many Soldiers and serves as an early kickoff for the critical days of summer. To learn more, visit the USACRC’s motorcycle safety page at https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/PMV-2.aspx.