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Training, gear keeps riders safe all year

  • Published
  • By Thomas Miles
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Motorcycles on the road multiply as gas prices increase and the summer weather arrives. Did you know motorcycle accidents are the number one cause of fatal mishaps in the Air Force? To protect themselves, Team Scott members should be aware of the training and personal protective requirements for personnel who ride street bikes, trikes, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. Proper training and PPE reduces mishaps and saves lives.

The regulations can be confusing in their application, since they apply to military members operating motorcycles on- or off-base and to everyone else while operating a motorcycle on-base. All military motorcyclists and passengers riding on- or off-base are required to wear personal protective equipment one hundred percent of the time.

Personnel who aren't aware of the requirements or choose to ignore them while off base are taking serious risks.

· Motorcycle riders must wear a properly fastened DOT approved helmet. A full-face DOT approved helmet offers the most protection. A non DOT helmet offers no protection at all.

· Riders and passengers must wear impact and shatter resistant goggles, wrap-around glasses or a full-face shield on their helmet. A motorcycle windshield alone does not meet the requirement. Eye protection which closes all air gaps is highly recommended.

· Air Force personnel must wear upper garments that incorporate high visibility colors (e.g. fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red or fluorescent red, etc.) during the day and a retro-reflective upper garment during the night. The outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered. ABUs, flight suits or a reflective belt alone do not meet this requirement. A fluorescent vest with retro-reflective properties made for motorcycling works well.

· Long-sleeved shirts or jackets, full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens and long pants must be worn. Abrasion resistant materials are recommended to avoid road rash. An abrasion resistant jacket with armor incorporated into the shoulder, spine and elbow areas offers a higher level of protection. Full fingered gloves with knuckle protectors and thick leather palms do a fantastic job of protecting the hands.

· Over the ankle sturdy footwear, such as leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes are required. Sandals, low quarter shoes and sneakers are not allowed. Over the ankle footwear will stay on the foot in the event of a crash.

· All off-road motorcycle and ATV riders should also wear knee and shin guards, padded full-fingered gloves and chest protectors. Use risk management principles to help select the appropriate PPE for your style of off road riding.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or MSF, training is required for all military members riding street bikes on- or off-base, on- or off-duty. AMC Air Force personnel who ride a Sport Bike are required to complete an approved Sport Bike Rider Course in addition to a MSF Course. MSF training and the Sport Bike Course are optional, but highly encouraged for Air Force civilians, family members, retirees and contractors.

Motorcycle Safety Courses are offered at Scott AFB throughout the riding season. If you're a new rider or a seasoned rider who would like to sharpen his or her skills, contact your Motorcycle Safety Representative to sign up for a course.

For more information contact the 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office at 256-6311.