Safety Corner: Motorcycle protective equipment

  • Published
  • By Airman Jamie Neppl
  • 82nd Training Wing Safety Office
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  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.