Motorcycle safety: fun in the sun

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Solomon Cook
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Motorcyclist were involved in fatal accidents 27 times more frequently than other vehicles according to the most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fatal crash data report.

 

To ensure Team Tyndall members have the tools needed to properly operate a motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, they must first familiarize themselves with necessary information, classes, knowledge of the required certifications, personal protective equipment and safety tips to be qualified as a motorcycle driver.

The professionals at the 325th Fighter Wing Safety office are here to help make sure motorcyclist have everything they need to enjoy their ride.

“The bottom line is to avoid motorcycle accidents,” said Senior Master Sgt. Romar Balaoro, 325th FW Safety. “Motorcycle safety training can provide riders the knowledge and skills on how to ride safely.  Riders also gain confidence as they go through the riding portion of the course and learn how to manage risks on the road.”

 

To help combat the potential hazards of motorcycle riding, the safety team host an advanced riders’ course for those that have completed the basic riders’ course. Military members have the ability to sign up for the BRC at Naval Support Activity, Panama City.

 

“We offer a Motorcycle Safety Foundation advanced rider course on a monthly basis, which consists of classroom and riding portions,” Balaoro said. “All military personnel must complete the training before they can legally operate a motorcycle on or off-base.”

 

To ensure Airmen adhere to safety regulations, the list below provides the necessary personal protective equipment needed to ride a motorcycle.

 

Headlights (when equipped). All motorcycles and ATVs will have headlights turned on at all times when operating on a Department of Defense installation on or off road, except where prohibited during military mission or by state, local or host nation law.

Passengers. Passengers are not authorized on motorcycles, ATVs or three-wheeled vehicles unless they are specifically designed (as determined by the manufacturer) to carry a passenger.

Personal Protective Equipment. Motorcycle, ATV and three-wheeled vehicle riders will wear:

  • Head Protection. A helmet, certified to meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin.

  • Eye Protection. Goggles, wrap-around glasses or a full-face shield designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1, or UNECE 22.05 or BS6658 in effect when manufactured, will be properly worn. A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection.

  • Protective Clothing. Wearing of long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens is required. Gloves or mittens will be made from preferably leather or a harder material.

  • Leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Wearing of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials containing impact absorbing padding is strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.

  • Foot Protection. Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.

Balaoro went on to explain what riders, new and old, should think about before getting on a motorcycle.

 

“I think that honest self-assessment is an important step prior to getting a motorcycle,” he said. “Riding a motorcycle is fun and someone could easily get carried away to go fast, exceeding their skills to ride safely.”

 

Once on the road, riders must be aware of common hazards on the road when riding a motorcycle such as other drivers that are not paying attention, cars changing lanes, road conditions, and inclement weather; therefore, a rider must constantly pay attention and scan for hazards.

 

When asked about the downside of motorcycle enthusiasm, Balaoro thought of the loss of some most valuable assets the Air Force has.

 

“Since May 2016, we've lost three Airmen due to motorcycle accidents,” he said. “One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is excessive speed, resulting the rider to lose control and striking an object. Always ride within your riding skills, constantly scan for hazards, and position yourself where other drivers can see you!”

 

For more information about motorcycle safety, contact 325th FW Safety at (850) 283-4231.