U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Patrick Green Midshipman 1st Class Brian Neri rides the Honda Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMART) Jan. 21 under the instruction of Vanessa Jones, a motorcycle instructor with Cape Fox Professional Services.

According to Naval Safety Center statistics, motorcycle mishaps are one of the highest causes of death among Sailors during the past several years. Already in fiscal year 2010, eight Sailors and Marines have suffered fatal crashes.

With the Midshipmen gearing up for commissioning and going to the Fleet, knowledge of motorcycle safety is important for junior officers to have, both for their own benefit and that of their enlisted personnel.

‘‘Younger Sailors who ride a bike think they’re invulnerable,” said Wayne Grollman, Naval Academy Safety Officer. ‘‘This introduces them to the risks involved.”

‘‘We want to encourage the rider to pay attention to the road, other drivers and many other distractions,” said Vanessa Jones, a motorcycle instructor with Cape Fox Professional Services.

Although it is not an actual simulator (a true motorcycle simulator, featuring 3D visuals and tilting mechanisms is very large and expensive), the SMART system is essentially a computer fitted into a frame featuring actual motorcycle controls such as handlebar-mounted throttle, clutch and front brake, and pedals for shifting gears and the rear brakes, as well as a saddle and footpegs.

Each route has different levels of difficulty with different scenarios, such as unruly drivers, pedestrians or hazards on the road. At the end of the simulation, the rider is graded on their performance and the instructor discusses their mistakes.

Jones added that the system can also be used to see if a first-time motorcycle driver can handle the responsibilities of operating a bike.

‘‘For someone that has never ridden, it is a great experience,” said Midn. 1⁄C Brian Neri, who took a ride on SMART system. ‘‘People always stop in front of you, they try to open doors in front of you. There’s always something.”

The system is not a substitute for the DoD Motorcycle Safety Course, required for all military personnel to own and operate a motorcycle. The SMART system is used for remediation after a motorcycle driver is issued a ticket.

The system was set up in Dahlgren Hall, and Midshipmen, staff and faculty were invited to hop on and go for a spin. During the simulation, the instructors offered tips on what to look out for and the process of operating a motorcycle.

‘‘I’m just seeing what it’s like to ride,” said Midn. 1⁄C Scotlin Bowden, another SMART user. ‘‘It’s good for us Midshipmen because it gives us the experience of riding before we go out and buy a bike.”

The system gave many people a chance to either brush up their skills on a bike or get a taste of riding for the first time.

Overall, it was a learning experience for everyone involved.

‘‘If you ride or not, there’s someone in your command who will,” Neri said. ‘‘You have to know at least a little bit so you can teach your Sailors and Marines the basics of riding safely.”