It's a habit - Motorcycle Safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  This summer many Ellsworth members may choose to exchange their motor vehicles for motorcycles as a daily means of transportation.

This seasonal trend is one topic that is being analyzed as part of the 101 Days of Summer program here.

Despite the various motorcycle safety awareness programs available to servicemembers, fifteen Airmen died in motorcycle mishaps in fiscal year 2008 and nine have perished since the start of fiscal 2009. These Airmen were stationed at bases across the U.S.

Fortunately, local motorcycle safety programs, including the Motorcycle Safety Training Basic Riders Course and Experienced Riders Course, are available until September 2009, to help prevent further motorcycle mishaps in the Air Force.

"The primary goal of the Basic Rider Course is to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling," said Staff Sgt. Travis Padgett, 28th Bomb Wing ground safety craftsman. "This includes the knowledge and skills that lead to licensing and motorcycle operation on streets and highways."

While the Basic Rider's Course is for beginners with no experience and no motorcycle endorsement on their license, the Experienced Rider's Course is designed for riders with at least six months riding experience, and is required as refresher training every three years for experienced Ellsworth riders, said Sergeant Padgett.

The classes are free to Ellsworth members and are available to dependents if the classes are not occupied by active duty servicemembers and Department of Defense civilians.

For riders who are unable to attend the motorcycle safety course at Ellsworth, the South Dakota Safety Council also offers state designated motorcycle safety courses to help motorcyclists prepare for their license tests. In these courses, the motorcycle license is provided as the final step in the course. The 2009 schedule for these courses is available at www.southdakotasafetycouncil.org/motorcycle/index.htm.

In addition to motorcycle training, the wear of proper protective equipment is important.  This includes helmets, eye protection (wrap around eye glasses or full face shield), long sleeve bright upper outer garments during the day and reflective garments at night, trousers, full-fingered gloves and foot protection (sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the foot and ankles). The wear of PPE by riders on Ellsworth is enforced by the 28th Security Forces Squadron.

"The biggest issue with PPE is visibility," said Senior Master Sgt. James Russell, 28 BW superintendent and president of the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club. "Black leather protects the rider but it also makes [the rider] blend into asphalt."

To avoid blending in, Sergeant Russell recommends bright colors for riders, and fastening reflective belts or bright colored fabric on any back packs that may obscure a drivers vision. Investing in the appropriate gear is also key in protecting the rider.

"Don't skimp on PPE because you definitely get what you pay for," he said.

Along with the motorcycle training courses available and the wear of PPE, Ellsworth riders may join the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club, which provides riders an opportunity to ride safely with a large group of people.

For more information on the Ellsworth 2009 Motorcycle Safety Course Basic Rider Course or Experienced Rider Course, or to reserve a spot for a class, contact Ground Safety at (605) 385-7233 or E-mail 28BW.SEG@ellsworth.af.mil. 

Editor's Note: A list of PPE requirements can be found in Air Force Instruction 91-207, The US Air Force Traffic Safety Program, paragraph 3.4.2.4.