Keep an eye out for two-wheeled vehicles Published March 18, 2008 92nd Air Refueling Wing Safety FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The weather is warming and the motorcycles are coming out. Therefore, as motor vehicle operators, we must raise our awareness in sharing the roadway with these two-wheeled vehicles. More often than not, when a motorcyclist collides with an automobile, the motorcyclist loses. In 1981, the "Hurt Study" revealed intersections are high-vulnerability locations for motorcycle accidents with another vehicle. The key reasons are right-of-way and traffic control violations. Other findings in this study included failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. This is the predominate cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle did not see the motorcyclist until it was too late to avoid the collision. Another part of the study involved the lack of conspicuity of the motorcyclist. Being seen and/or making yourself known as a rider to other motor vehicle operators is a critical factor to reducing multiple vehicle accidents. The study showed accident involvement is significantly reduced with continuous operation of motorcycle headlamps and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange, or bright red jackets. Making yourself conspicuous is the most critical step any rider can do to reduce the probability of being involved in a multiple vehicle mishap. In fiscal year 2007, the Air Force lost 18 members in motorcycle mishaps; some due to excessive speeds, others due to failure to negotiate a turn, and yet, others due to unfamiliarity with their motorcycle. To mitigate this trend, the Department of Defense requires active duty military members and DOD civilians in the performance of their duties riding a motorcycle on or off base must take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Training. The MSF training is provided free of charge to military members and their dependants, DOD Civilians, and retirees. Other requirements for riding on base include riding with the headlight operating at all times, the wearing of a brightly-colored upper outer garment during the day and a reflective upper garment at night. Members riding motorcycles on base are required to wear a long sleeve upper outer garment, long pants, full fingered gloves, eye protection ( a windshield on the motorcycle does not constitute proper eye protection), and sturdy footwear. These requirements are outlined in Air Force Instruction 91-207. Remember, while riding a motorcycle, never assume the other motorist sees you; ride defensively, be alert to the other motorist's actions and activity, make yourself known to the other motorists, and stay out of their blind spots. Your life depends on it.