Keep motorcycle riding fun – keep it safe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Grace Lee
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --  Many motorcyclists dream of riding during the summer, but without the right training it can quickly turn into a nightmare.

"The cause of most motorcycle injuries we see are caused by lack of discipline," said Staff Sgt. Jason De Jesus, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety technician. "Military riders receive more training and are required to observe higher standards than state law requires.

Riders are trained to wear personal protective equipment, are given skills to prepare them for riding, and then receive refresher training to keep skills sharp, but when we respond to motorcycle mishaps, usually we find the person was undisciplined and chose to not follow the PPE requirements, laws or training they received."

Most motorcycle accidents are preventable, and the usual factor is speed.

"The most common accident is usually in a turn with a motorist who hasn't followed the proper steps of slowing the bike, turning the head to look where the bike is headed, pressing firm on the handle bar and stabilizing the speed," said Brian Seabury, 56th FW Ground Safety motorcycle training manager.

"Practicing these steps will help ensure successful turns. The problem often occurs when a rider is going too fast into the turn and panics instead of practicing what he's learned."
Intersections can be a dangerous place for riders.

"In Arizona, accidents frequently happen in the left-hand turn areas of intersections, where the incoming vehicle turns left in front of the motorist," Seabury said. "To stay safe, I recommend riders always be aware of their surroundings and to look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what the other vehicle is going to do. Another thing riders can do to help themselves is be as visible as possible to other traffic."

Riding safely and effectively takes time and experience.

"The most common mistake I see new riders make is overestimating their abilities," Seabury said. "New riders may think just because they took the riding course they know how to ride, when that's not the case. What the course does is give riders the basic mechanics and techniques they need to know to ride, but it's really on the riders to go out and practice to improve their riding skills."

While having the riding knowledge and skill is important, it is also essential to wear proper riding gear.
"There's a website called 'Rock the Gear,' created by a young lady named Brittany Morrow, who was in a serious motorcycle incident," Seabury said. "At the time of her accident, she was wearing capri jeans, tennis shoes, a sweatshirt and a helmet. She was the passenger of a motorcycle that was going 120 miles per hour on the highway when she fell off the bike and slid 522 feet down the highway. As a result, her body was skinned up raw from her arm pit to under her ankle, and required skin grafts for more than 50 percent of her body. That is why she promotes wearing the gear."

Riders should always do a quick inspection of the bike before riding.

"You don't want to go on a ride without having made sure the bike is in good condition," Seabury said. "Some questions to ask are, 'Is the chain properly adjusted? Does the motor have oil in it? Is it gassed up, and are the tires good with enough air?'"

Riders can ride in almost any weather as long as they are well equipped.

"Of course, don't ride in a monsoon and blizzards are to be avoided, but I've ridden whether it was dry, hot out, or raining, and I don't find a major effect on my riding in any of those weather conditions," Seabury said. "You just need to be prepared and plan your day accordingly. You need to know where you're going, what the weather is going to be like and if there is potential for rain, pack a rain suit."
During the winter, Seabury advises dressing appropriately with layers of clothing and in the summer proper hydration is essential.

"If I know I will be riding in hot weather, four or five days in advance I start to hydrate as much as I can," Seabury said. "Then once I get out there and start riding, a good rule of thumb is to drink a bottle of water during every stop. That will help you from getting dehydrated. Another thing you can do is wear a CamelBak or hydration pack so you can drink as you ride."

Active-duty personnel who ride a motorcycle are required to take a Basic Rider's Course prior to riding.

"The Basic Rider's Course is free to active-duty, Defense Department civilians, retirees and dependents. In the class, first-time riders learn the mechanics of the bike, basic riding and cornering techniques, proper braking techniques, how to find the friction zone, how to change gears, and more," Seabury said.
"If you know you're going to be riding, you can sign up for the course through your unit's motorcycle representative or call the Luke Air Force Base safety office at 623-856-6104."

To stay safe while riding, the following riding gear is recommended:
Department of Transportation approved full-face helmet
Over-the-ankle riding boots, preferably leather for optimal protection
Full-fingered gloves for padding
Riding jacket with built-in armored protection
Riding pants with protection