Diamond Corner: Motorcycle safety Published April 5, 2007 By Master Sgt. Darin Evans 66th Training Squadron first sergeant FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With warm weather fast approaching many people will soon opt for two wheeled transportation. Although motorcycles are exciting and save money at the gas pump, riders need to keep a few key points in mind. First of all, remember that it's been upwards of four months since the last time most people have ridden a motorcycle. Before turning the key, riders should spend an evening reviewing the notes and books from safety classes that they have attended. When riders go out for the first ride of the season, they should try to take the motorcycle out on roads with very little traffic and obstacles. During the ride, operators should consider going to an empty parking lot where skill sets taught in motorcycle safety courses, especially swerving and emergency braking can be practiced. Here are a few tips to remember before venturing out on a bike: - Preflight the machine including checking the tire pressure. - Gravel can gather on the road edges during early spring. - Riders should maintain a position that allows their eyes to view both immediate and long distance hazards. - Riders should avoid riding in the blind spot of other vehicles. - Riders need to adhere to posted speed limits and slow down when warranted by road or weather conditions. - Motorcycles are considerably less visible than other vehicles. Riders should not assume they are seen by other motorists. - The weather is getting warmer, but riders should still layer clothing to avoid hypothermia. - Riders should choose lane positions to improve visibility to other motorists. Requirements for motorcycle, motor scooter, and moped operations on Air Force installations and for operation by military personnel off Air Force installations include the following: - Only operators may ride mopeds - no passengers. - Headlights must be on unless prohibited by the Status of Forces Agreement or local laws. - Vehicle must have rear-view mirrors. - Operator and any passenger must wear a protective helmet. As a minimum, helmets must meet DoT standards and be properly worn and fastened. Helmets may also meet other standards such as the Snell Memorial. - To increase visibility, riders are encouraged to affix reflective material to their helmets. - Operator and any passenger must wear impact resistant goggles or a full-face shield on their helmet. Goggles or a full-face shield are not required for the operator if the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield that is equal in height to or above the top of the helmet of the properly upright-seated operator. - Brightly colored or contrasting vest or jacket as an outer upper garment during the day and reflective during the night. Outer upper garment will be clearly visible and not covered. - Long-sleeved shirts or jackets, full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens and long trousers must be worn. - Sturdy footwear must be worn. Leather boots or over-the ankle shoes are strongly encouraged. In conclusion, riding motorcycles is inherently more dangerous than traveling in a car. However, if the motorcycle operator avoids complacency by keeping themselves refreshed on basic skill sets many accidents can be avoided. Ride safe!