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There’s no such thing as being too safe

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Public Affairs Office
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  Everything you have planned has gone your way. You have been very cautious and careful with each step you have taken. Although you have paid very close attention to detail, there will always be a chance for something to go wrong.

Recently, a 22 year-old Staff Sgt. from Tyndall was in an accident when he lost control of his motorcycle Saturday. The young Airman suffered a 12-inch laceration below his left knee, but it could have been worse.

Alcohol was not a factor in the accident, and all safety requirements were adhered to.

A motorcycle may have the same characteristics of a bicycle, but it is a far more dangerous vehicle that can travel at high speeds. Thus, when traveling on a motorcycle one must be more cautious and aware of ones surroundings.

Some things that could cause an accident are obvious such as alcohol and reckless driving. But other factors that can come into play are weather, loose gravel, oil and fatigue. If it's raining, or you feel tired, it's not a good idea to hop on your Kawasaki Ninja.

One must not only be mentally aware while on a motorcycle, but also have proper physical safety protection.

According to DOD 6055.4, all military and civilians, both operators and passengers, who operate mopeds or motor scooters, motorcycles, or ATVs on Tyndall must wear personal protective equipment. Military riders must wear PPE on and off base.

During daytime hours, PPE for riders must be brightly colored. Reflective vest, long-sleeved shirt, or jackets are considered "high-visibility" gear and are classified as PPE.

During night hours, PPE for a rider must be a reflective vest, long-sleeved shirt, or a commercially available protective garment with reflective materials as part of the garment design.

Other requirements:
· Protective goggles or full-face shield will be worn if the motorcycle has no windshield.
· Helmets must be Department of Transportation approved and worn properly.
· Gloves must be full fingered but they can be perforated.
· Long pants must be worn.
· Sturdy footwear must be worn. No open toed foot wear.

Summer is approaching and more motorcycles will be on the road. If you are a rider, make sure to abide by all Tyndall requirements. If you are in your car, keep an eye out for bikers and allow the same amount of space for them as you would if it were a car.

For more information on Tyndall's motorcycle requirements, call Wing Safety at 283-4231.