Between March 1 and May 22 of 2009, the Air Force experienced 14 traffic-related fatalities. Eight of them (57 percent) involved motorcycles, which is astounding considering only seven percent of Air Force personnel ride motorcycles, and many of these riders spend far more time behind the wheel of a car.
Motorcycle riding has increased with the economic downturn and the increase in gas prices; motorcycle fatalities have increased as well. One might easily draw the conclusion that the number of motorcycle mishaps is directly correlated to the number of hours ridden.
This is only partially true. The mishap rate (mishaps per riding hour) more than doubled from winter 2008-2009 to spring 2009, which suggests infrequency and inexperience are bigger contributors to the mishap rate.
So what can a rider do to improve his or her chance of survival? First, make sure both you and the motorcycle are tuned up and ready to go. A recent motorcycle mishap investigation revealed that the motorcycle’s tire pressure was nearly half the recommended level. While it did not directly contribute to the accident, it certainly raised questions about the readiness of the bike and the rider and may have caused controllability problems prior to impact.
Second, wear your protective gear, make sure other motorists can see you, and don’t ride at night or in inclimate weather if you can avoid it. Thirty years ago, my uncle was killed on a motorcycle at night when he hit a patch of ice; he left four children behind. Even though he shouldn’t have been riding at night or in the weather, he was wearing protective gear including a helmet, which many riders forego.
In fact, a full 17 percent of the Air Force’s mishap motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. You don’t ever want to put yourself and your family (or your commander for that matter) in a situation where your line-of-duty determination is in question. While the Air Force mandates helmet wear, most states surprisingly do not.
Finally, ride more conservatively than you did when you haven’t ridden in a while. You should not pick up where you left off. Start off slowly, take turns less aggressively, and ride on traffic-deprived roads until your proficiency improves. Take a motorcycle safety course (offered right here at Maxwell) even before you start shopping at the local dealership for your first bike.
Over the years, many Air Force fatalities have occurred on the same day the motorcycle was purchased – some were experienced riders upgrading to an unfamiliar bike. By the way, sports bikes make up 40 percent of AETC’s riding population, but account for 68 percent of the motorcycle fatalities. The Air Force Safety Center is presently considering implementation of a sports bike training program.
If you are a supervisor, first sergeant, or commander, know who your motorcycle riders are. Tell them your expectations, and make sure they’re riding responsibly. You need to know that 73 percent of all Air Force motorcycle fatalities involve the rank of E-5 and below. As a commander, if any of your riders exhibit risky or impulsive behavior, you should strongly consider ordering them to stay off their motorcycle. You’re not going to win any popularity contests, but you may save a life.
The Air Force’s Spring Spike Campaign 2010, starting March 1, will emphasize motor vehicle safety.
