Motorcycle safety 'Critical' during summer season

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Joe Springfield
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Critical Days of Summer campaign is underway at Dover Air Force Base and the 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office stresses additional emphasis on motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle fatalities throughout the Department of Defense have increased from 71 in 2002 to 124 in 2008. Last year alone 19 of those were Airmen, according to the Air Force Safety Center.

Dover AFB offers three riders courses to enhance the riders' skills, situational awareness and safety. The Basic Riders Course, Experienced Riders Course and the Air Mobility Command Sport Bike Course are offered on a recurring basis.

"These courses help the rider gain the confidence and skills to improve their riding experience," said Senior Master Sgt. Ed Renneckar, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach, and vice president of the Dover Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, Chapter #49.

A good way to continue to improve riding skills and enhance rider safety is to join a motorcycle club geared around safety, said Sergeant Renneckar. There are several clubs in the area including the Dover GKMMC, which has a chapter located right on base.
"The Green Knights provide the opportunity for new riders to pair up with experienced riders, giving them a Wingman -- someone right there to help build confidence and enforce safe, responsible riding that will ultimately reduce mishaps," Sergeant Renneckar said.

The GKMMC promotes awareness, education and mentorship. They participate in charity events, hold skills challenges, conduct meetings and go on group rides.

Master Sgt. Mike Hamblin, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach and president of the GKMMC is looking forward to the riding season.

"What I enjoy most about our club is sharing the common interest of our members, riding motorcycles and talking bike," Sergeant Hamblin said. "We are looking to host several motorcycle events this year, and right now we are getting the word out on the Ride to Work campaign June 15."

Safety must remain at the front of a rider's mind all the time, said Sergeant Hamblin.

"Whether you ride alone or ride with a group like the Green Knights, you want to be familiar with your motorcycle and the environment around you," said Sergeant Hamblin. "Motorcyclists take on a higher acceptance of risk every time they ride their motorcycle. We must be alert at all times, be considerate and obey the rules of the road."

Though riding with fellow safety-minded riders could perpetuate the safety mindset, another base rider and 436th AW Motorcycle Safety Program manager, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Giordano, believes other drivers, not motorcyclists themselves, are the main culprit to motorcycle mishaps.

"Riding brings with it the responsibility of knowing and accepting the fact that motorcyclists are often 'invisible' to other drivers," said Sergeant Giordano.

"This is why it is important to stay alert and keep your eyes moving, scanning the area all around you," said Sergeant Giordano. "If your eyes are locked on one thing, you may be ignoring another situation."

Motorcycle fatalities represent 11 percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles only represent three percent of all registered vehicles.

Another main reason motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection. Approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in major injury or death, a pretty high percentage considering the average for automobiles is 20 percent.

That's what makes personal protective equipment so crucial.

PPE provides comfort and protection from the elements, some measure of injury protection and a means for other motorists to see riders.

"You always want to make sure you have the correct protective equipment because it is the best defense in surviving a crash," said Sergeant Giordano. "Studies show that the head, arms and legs are most often injured in a crash."

Clothing worn while riding should provide protection from head to toe and be brightly colored.

A high percentage of crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the rider in time to avoid the crash

Though all PPE is important, Sergeant Giordano said the most important piece of equipment is the helmet, which saves lives by reducing the extent of head injuries.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency estimates that helmets saved 1,784 motorcyclists' lives in 2007, and that 800 more could have been saved if those motorcyclists had worn helmets.

Riders need to ask themselves if they trust their riding skills enough to make it through a split-second decision if they ever had to.

Training helps riders gain that needed experience.

"Whether you are a new rider or you have been riding for years, your best defense is to take an approved motorcycle safety course," said Sergeant Giordano, stressing all riders should maximize their exposure to the three base classes. "It is the best way to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully, helping to eliminate mishaps."