Whether riding during the day or at night, motorcyclists are encouraged to exercise caution when operating their vehicles on and off post, according to the Fort Belvoir Safety Office.
Soldiers and civilians can reduce the risk of incidents by wearing proper personal protection equipment such as a fastened helmet and long-sleeve jacket.
PPE must meet the Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4 and Army 385-10 approved requirements. Christopher McCormick, Fort Belvoir Safety Office director, said following these standards and riding responsibly will keep motorcyclists safe.
"It's that time of year when many people explore alternative forms of transportation, namely motorcycles," McCormick said. "Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate problems and road hazards. Road hazards that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a major hazard for a rider."
In addition to a helmet and a long-sleeve jacket, DoD requirements include, eye protection such as goggles or a full-face shield, sturdy shoes, full-fingered gloves and long trousers.
The Army Safety Program Regulation 385-10 encourages, but does not require, motorcyclists to wear fluorescent or retro-reflective safety vests or jackets while riding. However, garrison officials still recommend riders wear the vests and any equipment that reduces the chances for an accident.
"Wear the right shoes, gloves and clothing," McCormick said. "It may be all there is between you and the pavement in a crash."
Army, DoD and Belvoir regulations also require government-owned and privately owned motorcycles, mopeds and motor scooters, to have headlights turned on at all times except where prohibited by military mission, state or local laws. Due to their distractive qualities, hand-held devices, headphones or earphones are also prohibited while riding or driving on Fort Belvoir.
Once on the roads, McCormick said motorcyclists should drive responsibly to ensure safety. Riders should give themselves space to operate their vehicles and not drive parallel in the same lane with other riders. Motorcyclists should also pay close attention to surrounding vehicles' locations at all times and anticipate reckless driving or potential road hazards, such as debris and potholes.
"Be especially alert at intersections, watch for vehicles that may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a side street or driveway," McCormick said. "Where vision is limited by shrubbery, parked vehicles, or buildings, slow down and be prepared to react quickly."
Novice and experienced riders can improve their skills by attending motorcycle safety courses.
Active-duty Soldiers and Reserve or National Guard Soldiers on active-duty are required to complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riders Course, offered free on military installations, before operating a motorcycle.
The two-day course, sponsored by the Army Traffic Safety Training Program, teaches basic riding fundamentals such as turning, stopping and balancing.
Belvoir's class is typically offered every other week at the 23rd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion on Stuart Road. The basic course is not a licensing course and is not a substitute for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles road test. DoD civilians, Family members and retirees are not eligible to take the class but are encouraged to take training courses offered by other organizations.
Northern Virginia Community College, for instance, offers a basic rider course which is open to anyone for a $150 registration fee. The 15-hour program runs from mid-March through mid-November each year.
Visit www.belvoir.army.mil/safety/mc.asp for more information or to register for the Basic Riders Course.
Riders can view the updated DoD regulation at www.dtic.mil/whs/
directives/corres/pdf/605504p.pdf.
Riders can view the Army regulation at www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r385_10.pdf
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