Ride 'em safely Published May 24, 2007 By Mike Lovell and Airman 1st Class Jamie Neppl 82nd Training Wing Safety Office SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As we enter into the 101 Critical Days of Summer, motorcycle safety must be a top priority. Already this fiscal year, the Air Force has lost several individuals as a result of motorcycle mishaps. This trend must end. These mishaps have no age or rank boundaries. In the majority of cases, the motorcycle operators used poor judgment, excessive speed and unsafe maneuvers that caused them to lose control of the motorcycle. In some instances, the experienced rider was doing everything right and was struck by a four-wheel vehicle. Special awareness is required for safe motorcycling, by motorcycle riders and other vehicles operators as they share the road. Motorcyclists must ride responsibly and other vehicle drivers must remain alert to the special circumstances faced by the motorcyclists. Motorcycling is a fun, exciting and practical way to get around. But it's not without its risks. Fortunately, the majority of those risks can be avoided. Here are a few tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation that just may save you some trouble down the road: Get in gear - A helmet, eye protection, jacket (long sleeve shirt as a minimum), long pants, boots and gloves are your best protection against injury should an accident occur. Also, they are a mandatory requirement for military personnel whether they ride on or off base. Be sure to wear them every time you ride. Prepare yourself - This includes making sure you and your motorcycle are both properly licensed. Ensure your "bike" is in good mechanical condition by following the recommended service schedules for your bike and have all repairs made by an authorized dealer. Be aware of current road and weather conditions and always check your bike's tires, suspension and controls before hitting the road. Be seen around town. Wear bright/contrasting colored clothing (reflective at night) , use your headlight, avoid other drivers' "blind spots" and don't make rapid lane changes. Ride defensively - Three-fourths of all motorcycle accidents involve collisions with automobiles. The majority of these accidents happen because the automobile driver didn't see the motorcycle. That's why it pays to be aware of what other vehicle operators are doing -- or might do -- when you ride. Be extra aware of drivers waiting to turn left across your path at intersections since this is the most frequent problem. Keep your distance. Never stop directly behind another vehicle. If you leave enough space, you will be able to maneuver around the vehicle in front of you in case an approaching vehicle does not see you and cannot stop in time. Do not drink and ride - Up to 45 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents nation wide involve alcohol. That's because alcohol and other drugs impair your ability to make sound judgments. Learn to share - Having someone on the back of your bike is a big responsibility. After all, weight has a tremendous effect on handling. So before you give someone a ride, instruct them on proper riding techniques and make sure they have appropriate protective gear. Improve yourself - Take a beginner or experienced motorcycle rider course from a training center recognized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Because the better rider you become, the more fun - and less trouble - you will have. Safe motorcycling generally comes down to four things: the operator's mental attitude and awareness, riding skills, machine and the road. A motorcyclist's attitude can and often does make the difference between arriving safely or not at all. Daydreaming or driving under the influence for a motorcyclist spells F-A-T-A-L-I-T-Y. All motorcyclists should be thoroughly familiar with the "SIPDE" system: (S) - Scan for potential problems; (I) - Identify any possible hazards, such as turning vehicles, railroad tracks, loose gravel, etc.; (P) - Predict whether a hazard will or will not endanger them; (D) - Decide how to avoid the hazard; (E) - Execute the proper action to carry out the decision. Motorcycling is inherently dangerous; however, operators can improve their odds with skills, alertness, good weather, safe equipment, and lots of help from other vehicle operators. The new AFI 91-207, US Air Force Traffic Safety Program, has just been released. Several motorcycle PPE requirements have changed and are reflected in the headings below. These requirements apply to all motorcycle operators and passengers while on Sheppard , regardless of their status. Those include: · All Air Force military personnel at any time, on or off an Air Force installation. · All Air Force civilian personnel, on an Air Force installation at any time, or in a duty status when off an Air Force installation. · All persons at any time on an Air Force installation. Headlights: Headlights will be turned on while motorcycles are being operated. Rear View Mirrors: Motorcycles will have both left and right rear view mirrors mounted on the handlebar or fairing. Head Protection: A helmet designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds the DOT standard. Eye Protection: Goggles, wrap around glasses or a full-face shield (properly attached to helmet) designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance will be worn. A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds ANSI Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance. Protective Clothing: Wear of long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves are required. Gloves should be sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Wear of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar® and/or Cordura® containing impact absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. Foot Protection: Riders will wear sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn). Sandals, low quarter sneakers and similar footwear will not be used. Garment and Motorcycle Visibility: Motorcycle riders will wear a brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. Outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it has brightly colored/reflective properties.