‘I’d rather sweat than bleed’ – motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Now that summer has arrived, the temperatures will rise and motorcyclists will surely take advantage of the prime riding weather. While the riders enjoy their hobby, the Air Force is determined to keep them safe.

"I'd rather sweat than bleed," said Tech. Sgt. Carlos Damian, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron wing sports bike representative and teacher of the advanced sport bike course offered on JBLM. "That's why I wear all of my gear."

According to the Air Force Safety Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., motorcycle fatalities have risen 150 percent from January to March 2011, compared to the same period last year.

"A good portion of motorcycle crashes are due to people's unfamiliarity with their bikes," said Sergeant Damian. "People underestimate how fast these things can go."

Sergeant Damian is one of many instructors who teach the motorcycle safety course at JBLM. The Air Force safety initiative mandates that all servicemembers complete an approved motorcycle safety rider course. Department of Defense employees and Government Service civilians must take the course to operate their bikes on a military installation.

"The basic class teaches you how to be a smart and safe motorcycle rider," said Sergeant Damian. "It's very informative and helpful for riders of all skill levels. Even people who have been riding for years learn something from it."

The class is conducted four times per month at the Echo ramp on McChord Field. Members of JBLM can sign up for the class through their unit motorcycle safety representatives.

According to Tech. Sgt. Herman Rodriguez, 62nd Airlift Wing Airman Leadership School instructor and unit motorcycle safety representative, the class covers a wide range of topics including protective clothing and situational awareness.

"When it comes to your safety, it's worth spending that little bit of extra money to ensure you're getting quality protective gear," said Sergeant Rodriguez. "We teach you what you need to wear and what to be aware of while riding."

Both Sergeants Damian and Rodriguez recommend riders wear Department of Transportation approved helmets, along with complete coverage from the neck down to include a long-sleeve jacket, thick pants, boots and gloves. Also, reflective belts are mandatory items to be worn on base by everyone at all times. Off base, they are only mandatory for servicemembers.

In addition to wearing proper safety gear, riders should also be advised of the dangers on the road out of their control. For example, distracted drivers and inclement weather conditions are things riders can't prevent, but can do their best to be aware of.

"The motorcycle rider can fit perfectly in the blind spot of any vehicle," said Sergeant Rodriguez. "We need the riders to know that drivers won't always see them. Don't become complacent and assume that you're always going to be safe."

Team JBLM riders are required to follow Army Regulation 385-55, Prevention of Motor Vehicle Accidents, for clear guidance on motorcycle safety. Riders can also review Air Force Instruction 91-207, Traffic Safety Program, for further guidance.