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I had a conversation with a retired fireman after the funeral for another fireman who was killed on his bike. We had also recently attended the funeral for a retired army lt. colonel, also killed on his bike just weeks after his retirement.
My question to him was this: Is there something in the mentality of those who put their lives on the line that make them think they're invincible when riding?
His short answer: Yes.
Any young civilian man under the age of 30, moreso under the age of 25, goes out into the world thinking he can "conquer all". I truly believe this is even more true for those in life-risking jobs.
The article didn't state where these fatalities occurred. Off base? On leave? Strange lands?
I can see the possibility of them occurring, as one here in NJ did, on leave. The rush of feeling "free", losing oneself when riding, is very strong and probably more strong when out of the risky element.
It's a generalization of a very real problem that's being shown in that article. There's not enough info, no research, no data to fall on. But I do think they're onto something. As a member of PGR who has attended over 25 missions, it is something seen way too often(once is too often) and something always discussed.
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