Safety should be paramount for motorcycle riders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASIHNGTON --  The Critical Days of Summer are well underway, and with the spike in temperature comes a spike in safety risks for military personnel, especially motorcycle riders. 

In fiscal year 2008 alone, 15 Airmen across the country died in motorcycle-related mishaps, and nine since the beginning of this year.

The Air Force Safety Center conducted a study of motorcycle mishaps from fiscal year 2006 to 2008 and determined that fatal motorcycle mishaps doubled in the warmer months. According to the study, mishaps also peaked on weekends, afternoons and early evenings when riders have more time to ride.

"Motorcyclists have to be the best defensive drivers on the road because they have so little protection," advised John Decker, safety chief  for the 11th Wing at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.

"Basically any state that has winter snow, motorcycle fatalities are going to drop in number," said Mr. Decker. "The better the weather, the more riders, the more fatalities."

According to Mr. Decker, speed is the most common reason for most motorcycle mishaps. In the U.S., 27 percent of motorcycle deaths are attributable to speeding. Within the Air Force, 12 percent are due to instances of drinking and riding, and another 17 percent of Air Force fatalities are due to the rider not wearing a helmet.

Commanders, supervisors and wingmen can help prepare riders by asking them if they have thoroughly checked themselves and their bikes, talking to them about hazards on the road and helping inexperienced riders prepare for the season. Remind riders to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, full-fingered gloves, sturdy shoes that cover the ankles, brightly colored or reflective gear, pants and long-sleeved shirts.

A basic foundation in motorcycle safety is required for all Department of Defense personnel operating a motorcycle on military installations. To answer this need, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers the Basic Rider Course. More than 20 states will waive some portion of the motorcycle endorsement test with successful completion of the Basic Rider Course, and many insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to students who have successfully completed the course.

The course is a 15-hour program that covers what to wear, how to start and stop a motorcycle and how to maneuver in tough situations such as lane changes, night riding, swerving, avoiding collisions and passing.

In addition to the Basic Rider Course, the MSF also offers a three-day Experienced Rider Course. To sign up for one of these courses, call (800) 446-9227.

Additional courses are offered to the entire DoD community at Fort Belvoir, Andrews AFB, Fort Meade and the Anacostia Naval Station. Look here for a complete listing of local motorcycle safety POC's.

Motorcycle clubs such as the local Green Knights chapter are also an available resource for Airmen concerned with rider safety. The Green Knights Chapter 20 is based out of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and is open to all active duty, retired, Guardsmen, reservists and DOD dependents from across the National Capital Region. The primary goals of the Green Knights are to promote motorcycle safety, organize and participate in charity events and protect riders' rights on military installations.

For more information, contact the wing safety office at (202) 404-7360. For more information about the Green Knights or to join, visit the Green Knights Chapter 20 Web site.