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Ride safely into the New Year

By John P. Sarmento, 4th Fighter Wing Safety Office / Published January 19, 2012

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- In recent years, January was a bad time to talk about motorcycle safety; but the warmer than usual temperatures have allowed many people to ride their motorcycles into the winter.

Training is a vital step to safe motorcycle operation and it is mandatory for all military personnel to take an approved course before they ride on or off base. Air Force civilians only require training if they ride while on official business. Retirees, dependents and other civilians visiting the base don't require training.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic rider course takes place on base and is free. According to AFI 91-201 Air Force military and civilian personnel are not charged annual leave when taking the class. The hands-on training is also available to dependents and retirees on a space available basis. Individuals can sign up for a class on the 4th Fighter Wing Motorcycle Community of Practice website through the Seymour Johnson homepage.

Those who took their initial training course three to five years ago, have had an extended absence from riding, changed motorcycle types or returned from a deployment should attend a refresher course. The safety office also offers an experienced rider course for free. It is recommended for riders to take this course 120 days after their initial training.

All newly assigned personnel must process through their commander or designated motorcycle safety representative, who will provide an initial safety briefing within 30 days of arrival. Additionally, the unit commander or motorcycle safety representative performs an annual or preseason motorcycle rider briefing.

In addition to proper safety training, personal protection equipment should be an integral part of motorcycle riding. AFI 91-207 mandates wear of a long sleeve shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens. The wear of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant material and absorbing padding is strongly encouraged.

While color, design and price affect decisions about which helmet to purchase, protection should be the first consideration. Military members must wear a helmet that fastens under the chin and is made to meet or exceed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 or Snell Memorial Foundation Standard M2005. Since head injuries account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities, head protection is vital. A full-face helmet provides the most protection since it covers all of the head and face.

Any motorcyclist who has been hit by a stone or insect while riding can vouch about the benefits of face protection. Ordinary glasses or sunglasses are not sufficient eye protection for a motorcyclist. A full-face helmet with the face shield down provides the best protection however, shatter resistant goggles and wrap-around glasses can also be worn.

Sturdy over-the-ankle boots protect riders from a variety of riding hazards, such as stones thrown up from the roadway or burns from hot exhaust pipes. In the event of a crash, boots can also provide valuable protection against foot and ankle injuries.

Many crashes are a result of a motorist not seeing a motorcyclist until it is too late. A motorcycle rider who is conspicuous to other vehicle operators is less likely to be involved in a vehicle-to-vehicle collision. According to AFI 91-207 motorcycle riders must wear riding apparel that incorporates high visibility and fluorescent colors in their upper garment during the day and retro-reflective upper garment during the night. Riders can also wear an inexpensive high-visibility vest over their riding gear. Riders are also encouraged to use other methods to increases their visibility such as headlight and break light modulators and auxiliary running lights.

Riding a motorcycle requires a great amount of mental alertness and physical skill. Alcohol has detrimental effects on a rider's capability. Statistics from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation show almost 50 percent of motorcycle riders are killed due to drinking; one-third of these riders had a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit. The remaining two-thirds only had a couple of drinks in their system; not enough to be legally intoxicated but more than enough to impair their mental and physical skills. The only safe BAC for riding is zero.

When someone has had too much to drink, their friends have a responsibility to keep them from taking risks. To intervene, enlist the help of others, arrange a safe ride home, slow the pace of drinking, delay departure or take their keys.

For more information about motorcycle safety or to register for a class, call 722-4223.
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