Situational awareness is key in safe motorcycle riding

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Kusek
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Throughout the 101 critical days of summer, many Airmen will experience the adventure and excitement of riding motorcycles. 

However, the risks of riding make it one of the most dangerous ways to travel. So, before putting the key in the ignition, motorcyclists should consider the risks before heading out on the open road. 

"It's important for riders to have situational awareness," said Scott Eck, 2d Bomb Wing Safety Office. "Since a motorcycle doesn't provide the same protection as an automobile, riders must be more aware of their constantly changing environment." 

For example, when riding on the interstate, motorcyclists may want to stretch their legs by using highway pegs, but that same rider wouldn't use the pegs in congested traffic areas or "stop and go traffic" since they may require quick use of their brakes, Eck said. 

Also, being aware of the environment while riding allows riders to adjust riding styles based on the road condition and weather. 

Speed is another factor to consider. 

"Higher speed decreases the reaction time available to riders should something go wrong," Mr. Eck explained. 

Even though motorcycle safety is continuously foot-stomped Air Force-wide, accidents happen. 

Since October 2003, there have been 31 reportable motorcycle-related mishaps with Barksdale personnel. "These are mishaps where an individual's injuries caused them to miss work and lost production time to the Air Force," said Mr. Eck. "There is also the pain and suffering from their injuries. 

"Out of these 31 mishaps, two resulted in medical discharges and two resulted in fatalities," he added. 

Educating riders and preventing mishaps are the main goals of the mandated motorcycle safety course. 

"The course teaches all riders the basic skills needed for safe motorcycle operation, but it doesn't stop there," Mr. Eck said. "Once riders complete this course they should continue to utilize and build on these learned skills." 

After completing the course, one way to continue motorcycle riding education is to be become a member of the Barksdale Freedom Riders Motorcycle Club. The club's main focus is to improve each individual's motorcycle riding experience and to educate with emphasis on safety, rider skills and community and family enhancement. 

"One way we promote motorcycle safety and education is by having checkrides," said Senior Master Sgt. Sanders Louvierre Jr., a Barksdale Freedom Rider. "Checkrides consist of a route designed by the road captains and include hill stopping and starting, formation stop and go procedures and hand signal recognition," he said. 

Ultimately, the club promotes the safety and welfare of both inexperienced and experienced riders by emphasizing the rules of the road. 

Mr. Eck suggests that before riding to always remember to be aware of the surroundings and, "There's no seatbelt, safety curtain or several hundred pounds of steel surrounding you to protect you in the event of a mishap." 

For more information call, Master Sgt. Daphne Soto, 456-8009, about the motorcycle safety course; or Sergeant Louvierre, 456-3783, for the Barksdale Freedom Riders Club.