Training wheels: Video mandatory for all Sheppard motorcycle riders Published April 20, 2007 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Every year there seems to be some who, for whatever reason, decides to get on a motorcycle and do things they shouldn't or aren't prepared to handle. Most of those cases usually end up with some sort of an injury, but there are those that result in a fatality. Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, isn't going to wait until something like that happens here; he's doing something now to hopefully prevent that incident "One of our biggest safety vulnerabilities here at Sheppard is a potentially fatal motorcycle mishap," he said in a letter to commanders. "I'd like us to take action to help reduce the chance of losing one of our own to a motorcycle accident." Beginning April 23, a motorcycle safety video - "Motorcycle Mishaps: Air Combat Command Off Duty Survivor Stories" - will air three times on TSTV-14, the base's commander's access channel. It's mandatory for all current motorcycle riders at Sheppard, civilian and military, to view the 30-minute video. The video will be shown on TSTV-14 at 8 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. April 23-27. The stories on the video are of three Air Force members who are survivors of what could have been deadly accidents. "I believe the lessons shared in this presentation will bring a staggering awareness to the importance of proper safety equipment," the general said, "and the wise judgment necessary for executing sound personal risk assessment." The initiative is to help turn a trend in motorcycle-related fatalities. According to the Air Force Safety Center, 17 Airmen were killed in motorcycle accidents in Fiscal Year 2006. That was an increase from 15 in the previous year. Twenty-two Airmen were killed in FY '04. The 30-minute discussion period will follow the video to give riders time to discuss what they saw on the video, as well as prevention techniques. "Riders should be encouraged to share their personal 'close call' experiences with other riders," he said. "I firmly believe that developing camaraderie and accountability within your riders will pay benefits in regards to motorcycle safety." General Devereaux said although the intended audience is current riders, those considering purchasing a motorcycle should view the video, too. A link to the video will also be in the "Sheppard Videos" section of the base's public Website located at www.sheppard.af.mil.