ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Springtime air is full of warmer temperatures, birds singing, and for some, the sweetest sound of all -- the rumble of their motorcycle on the open road. Team Andrews leadership wants motorcyclists here to enjoy everything the season has to offer, while staying safe, and most importantly, staying alive.
Air Force Safety Center officials conducted a study of motorcycle mishaps from fiscal 2006 to 2008 and determined motorcycle fatal mishaps doubled in the spring over the winter season numbers, according to Air Force News Service's Airman's Roll Call.
"Our goal this year - and every year - is zero motorcycle mishaps, which we know can be accomplished," said Staff Sgt. Rebekah Spedaliere, 316th Security Forces Squadron commander's executive assistant and motorcycle enthusiast.
To that end, Col. Steven M. Shepro, 316th Wing commander, has designated April 8 a Motorcycle Safety Day. There is scheduled an all day event starting at the base theater, which will be mandatory for all Team Andrews uniformed motorcycle riders, said George Bennett, 316 WG ground safety manager.
The Safety Office also provides classes for riders to get the Motorcycle Safety Foundation card, which is required for servicemembers to operate a motorcycle on or off base, Mr. Bennett said. There are separate classes for beginners and experienced riders.
"In these classes you will learn everything from safety, to proper wear and tear, to proper handling and sharpening of skills," class alumni Sergeant Spedaliere said. "I learned things that I know have kept me alive. Any rider from novice to expert will learn something new and helpful."
The 316 SFS enforces the motorcycle policy on base, but expects leadership to stay engaged with their motorcycle-riding troops. Each unit should have a motorcycle safety policy. Rules and requirements can be provided by the Safety Office.
Motorcyclists must have the requiredprotective gear to ensure they are safe and visible to other riders and vehicle operators. This includes wearing a helmet, either full, three-quarters, or shell, that is approved by the Department of Transportation, which is noted with the letters "D.O.T." on approved helmets.
Brightly-colored outer garments are also required.
"This policy is most misunderstood by motorcyclists," Sergeant Spedaliere said. "It means wearing a colorful jacket or safety vest while in uniform. Wearing the military uniform is not authorized as a brightly colored outer-garment. We have noticed in the past that many riders wear a reflective belt over their uniform, which we don't authorize as a brightly colored outer garment."
Other protective gear for motorcyclists includes full-fingered gloves, a face shield and goggles or safety glasses. At no time will the rider wear shorts, or short-sleeved shirts, sneakers or flip flops, and they must have their legs fully covered at all times with long pants and sturdy ankle boots.
The most common motorcycle mistakes noticed by security forces' personnel are improper braking and turning, Sergeant Spedaliere said.
"In the motorcycle safety course, they teach you how to properly brake and turn to ensure you do not spill or fall off your motorcycle," she said. "Braking should only occur if the rider is coming to a complete stop or hitting a heavy volume of traffic. Motorcyclists need to slow down by down shifting."
Motorcycle safety depends on both the rider and drivers of other vehicles to be aware of their surroundings. Drivers should be aware of increased motorcyclists on the roads and aware of riders' position in the lanes.
"Vehicle operators should know that when they see a rider to the left or to the right of the lane, that it is the correct position for the rider. That is the best spot the rider can be in so the person in front and behind can see the rider and be aware of his or her location," Sergeant Spedaliere said. "When riding near a motorcyclist, ensure you give them a good distance of space and try to help other vehicles see the rider."
In a four-year Air Force study, officials found that that 80 percent of crashes involving motorcycles result in injury or death, and 33 percent of mishaps are a result of the cyclist not being properly licensed, trained, or unlicensed all together, she said.
Team Andrews Active Duty, active Reserve and Guard members and Department of Defense civilians can sign up for the MSF courses through the Safety Office by calling 301-981-5585 or 301-981-4528. There are one-day classes for experienced riders Thursday and April 30, and a two-day class for beginners April 15 and 16. All class dates for 2009 are posted on the 316 WG Safety Office's community of practice Web site.
Class participants must have their own motorcycles, operator's license and all aforementioned safety equipment and protective clothing.
"Riding a motorcycle is fun, but also very dangerous," Sergeant Spedaliere said. "Failure to wear the proper protective equipment or follow posted rules and regulations could lead to a ticket, injury or death."
For more information, call the Base Safety Office at
301-981-5585 or the security forces police services at
301-981-8575.