Motorcycle safety time again: Think SAFE, practice SAFE, be SAFE

Published March 29, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Earlandez Young
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- "The Department of Defense takes motorcycle safety very serious," said Mark Rupert, 92nd Air Refueling Wing, deputy chief of safety. "Along with having the appropriate license to operate a motorcycle, the DOD also requires before operation of any motorcycle, individuals must successfully complete an approved rider or operator safety course. This course must follow the Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum taught by certified instructors, include hands-on training and a performance-based and knowledge-based evaluation."

Studies accomplished in 1981, called 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," said Rupert. "Being seen and making yourself known as a rider to other motor vehicle operators is a critical factor to reducing multiple vehicle accidents."

The study, which showed accident involvement, is significantly reduced with continuous operation of motorcycle headlamps and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets. Rupert said drivers making themselves conspicuous is the most critical step any rider can do to reducing the probability of being involved in a multiple vehicle mishap.

In FY 11, the Air Force lost 15 members in motorcycle mishaps and three so far in FY 12; due to excessive speeds, failure to negotiate a turn and others due to unfamiliarity with their motorcycle.

To ease this trend, DOD requires active duty military members riding a motorcycle on or off base to take the MSF Training.

"The Motorcycle Safety Foundation training is provided free of charge to all military members," said Master Sgt. Michael Marshall, 92nd ARW, NCOIC Ground Safety. "Other critical components required for riding on or off base include riding with the headlight operating at all times, to wear a DOT or ANSI approved helmet, the wearing of a "brightly colored" upper outer garment during the day and a reflective upper garment at night."

Active duty military members who ride motorcycles are required to wear a long sleeve upper outer garment, long pants, full fingered gloves, sturdy footwear and eye protection; a windshield on the motorcycle does not constitute proper eye protection. These requirements are outlined in AFI 91-207.

"Remember, while riding a motorcycle, never assume the other motorist sees you," said Rupert. "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."

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