Command Chief to Airmen: Motorcycle attitude

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Twisting back on the throttle till it redlines and dragging your knee in turns is a thrill that many motorcyclists can share. But this attitude of riding is finding its way from the track to the streets and it is taking the lives of Airmen in the process.

The Air Force has lost an average of 17 Airmen a year over the past 10 years due to motorcycle mishaps. These mishaps range from operator failure to riding under the influence.

Chief Master Sgt. James Smith, 436th Airlift Wing command chief, held an all-call for motorcycle riders age 27 and under Jan. 31, 2014, at the base theater here. Smith spoke about motorcycle safety and highlighted mishaps that have taken the lives of Airmen right here at home.

Smith said that many motorcyclists love the thrill of the machine's acceleration, but today's motorcycles practically mirror the technology used in race bikes. He also said he believes this is why our motorcycle fatalities are usually riders that have less than one year riding experience on their current motorcycle.

"We see time and time again in our mishaps that riders buy a new bike and want to test the bike's limitations," said Smith. "What we are finding is that these riders are quickly exceeding their riding capabilities."

Even with all the training the Air Force offers, Airmen are still losing their lives to motorcycle crashes. In fiscal year 2013, the Air Force lost 18 Airmen due to motorcycle mishaps and has already lost four Airmen in fiscal year 2014.

Master Sgt. John Willard, 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office flight safety NCO, and Dover's chief motorcycle safety RiderCoach attended the all-call to answer motorcycle safety specific questions that came from the attendees. Willard said reviewing past mishaps like the ones that have hit Dover is a good way to shed light on the issues and what can actually happen to riders out on the streets.

"We have consistently lost more men and women to motorcycle mishaps than we have in war-time combat," said Willard. "Training and all-calls like this will hopefully foster a culture and attitude about safe motorcycling which will combine knowledge of the written guidance as well as a high level of proficiency, personal responsibility, and situational awareness for all Air Force motorcycle riders"

Motorcycle safety representatives from across the base were encouraged to attend the all-call so they could be informed on new Air Force Instruction changes that deal with motorcycles. MSRs are a focal point for all related motorcycle issues within a unit and make sure riders are fully qualified to ride and meet Air Force and Dover AFB regulations.

Staff Sgt. Hank Brower, 436th Maintenance Operations aircraft electrical and environmental systems craftsman, is the MSR for his unit and attended the briefing. Brower said the all-call was informative and hopes Airmen that attended took something away from Smith's message.

"As a motorcycle safety representative, I think the Chief addressed key safety issues affecting our younger Airmen and new riders," said Brower. "I think by Chief Smith showing past tragedies that have hit Dover Airmen will affect the way some people choose to ride."

Smith closed the all-call with a question and answer session but heavily emphasized when it comes down to it, training and attitude is everything behind safe riding.

"This is a problem that happens right here at home," said Smith. "If you have the right attitude about riding your motorcycle, you can ride it and enjoy it."