Vehicle, motorcycle safety paramount during 101 Critical Days of Summer

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  According to 2005 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of death for young adults ages 21-34 was motor vehicle traffic crashes, which claimed the lives of 11,634 people.

Those numbers reflect an equally dangerous trend in the Air Force. During the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign last year, Air Forcewide 14 of 19 fatalities were from traffic or vehicle-related accidents, and six of those fatalities involved motorcycles.

McChord has had no fatalities since 2001, according to Ken Heath, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of ground safety.

"We've been lucky," he said.

That being said, McChord safety officials are asking Airmen to obey the rules of the road and the rules on base. Driving without a seatbelt and talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device violate Department of Defense policy.

Airmen must also remember that on July 1 the Washington state law prohibiting cell phone use while driving takes effect, Mr. Heath said. The violation is ticketable as a secondary offense.

Motorcycle riders must also remember to wear the proper motorcycle safety equipment.

McChord's 101 Critical Days of Summer Web site has the following tips for proper motorcycle protective gear, which must be worn by all personnel on base and by military personnel off base as well.

Helmet: Operator and any passenger must wear a protective helmet. Helmets must meet, as a minimum, Department of Transportation standards and be properly worn and fastened. Helmets may also meet higher standards such as the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute.

Eye protection: Operator and any passenger must wear impact resistant goggles or wear a full-face shield on their helmet. Sunglasses or prescription glasses are not authorized as a substitute for proper eye protection. Goggles or a full-face shield are not required for the operator if the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield that is equal in height to, or above the top of the helmet of the properly upright seated operator.

Outer garment: Operator and any passenger must wear long trousers and a long sleeved shirt or jacket. During daylight hours, the outer upper garment will be brightly colored and contrasting, meaning colors that enhance the rider's visibility such as orange, lime green, yellow, red or white. At night, a reflective vest or reflective jacket is required. Outer upper garment will be clearly visible and not covered. Backpacks are allowed, but if worn, must meet the same brightly colored/contrasting/reflective requirements as the outer upper garment. Reflective belts do not meet the visibility requirements for either day or night. In uniform, a reflective vest must be worn to meet the visibility requirements for day or night. Long sleeves shirts or jackets require the sleeves be rolled down. No short pants are allowed.

Gloves: Operator must wear full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens.

Sturdy footwear: Operator and any passenger are highly encouraged to wear sturdy footwear. Sturdy footwear is described as high enough to protect the ankle and soles with traction. Opentoed shoes or sandals are not acceptable footwear.

Bicyclists who ride on base are also required to follow the same rules of the road as drivers.