Awareness is crucial in motorcycle safety

Published Aug. 7, 2006
By Mitch Shaw
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE Utah -- The thrill of motorcycle riding is one that many Americans will experience during these 101 critical days of summer.

With gas prices and temperatures rising, many people feel that now is the perfect time to get on their bikes. But before doing so, motorcyclists should consider a few things before heading out on the road. While motorcycle riding can indeed be a thrill, the inherent risks that go with it make it one of the more dangerous modes of transportation.

"There are a lot of things that can go wrong on the motorcycle," said Allan Woods, program manager for Motorcycle Safety with the Ogden Air Logistics Center Safety Office. "A lot of times, safety on a motorcycle depends on the elements. Rain, dirt, sand, or rocks on the road can come up real fast and affect someone riding on a motorcycle. Unexpected road hazards are responsible for a lot of motorcycle accidents."

According to Mr. Woods, another disadvantage of motorcycles is they are smaller than cars and in turn, less visible on the road.

"Motorcycles can also be very hard to see and a lot of times people pull out in front of them because they just don't see them," Mr. Woods said. "Motorcyclists need to make themselves seen. They should wear loud, contrasting colors, and reflectors on the helmet and upper body. They should also wear the proper safety equipment 100 percent of the time."

In late April of this year, just as the motorcycle season was beginning, Capt. Steven Norris, 421st Fighter Squadron, was involved in an accident on his motorcycle just outside of the West Gate. Captain Norris was struck by a van and thrown from his motorcycle into oncoming traffic. He was wearing all the proper protective gear at the time and luckily only suffered a torn shoulder ligament.

"You should wear all of your personal protective equipment all the time," Captain Norris said. "Buy the good stuff too, because how much is your brain worth?"

Captain Norris also stressed the concept of road awareness.

"You should assume all cars are trying to kill you," Captain Norris said. "Take your time and always drive defensively."

The responsibility for road awareness does not fall solely into the hands of the motorcyclist; automobile drivers also need to pay attention and be watchful.

"When you have a motorcycle crash involving a car, there are no fender benders. Someone is either seriously hurt or dead," said Gerald Wilcox, Vice President of the Hill Riders Association. "That's why it's so important that people watch out for motorcycles."

To help aid riders, Hill AFB offers free Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) classes through the Ogden Air Logistics Center Safety Office and also has a Hill Riders Association where riders can take what they've learned in class and apply it to the road.

"We are doing great as far as accidents here on base and I accredit that to our safety program," Mr. Woods said. "We have some great instructors that put on a good class. I have heard a lot of comments from students taking the class and they say it is really worthwhile. Plus, it's free, so why not take it?"

The course is a requirement to all military and civilians that ride motorcycles on base.