Motorcycle safety is not just for May, but for entire year

By U.S. ArmyMay 22, 2015

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month which coincides with the beginning of motorcycle riding season for many Soldiers and also serves as the early kick-off for the annual 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety program.

Motorcycle accidents continue to be a leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. Army. During fiscal year 2014, 34 Soldiers were killed while riding their motorcycles, a figure that represents approximately 43 percent of all private motor vehicle fatalities occurring during the year.

Leader engagement and enhanced training opportunities have helped drive advances in operator and rider safety during the past several years. Leader involvement and a greater awareness and understanding of the program is needed to ensure all Soldiers are prepared to ride in a safe and disciplined manner.

Leader engagement through Mentorship Program:

Per the Fort Huachuca commanding general's Dec. 31 Memorandum for Record, "The Motorcycle Mentorship Program provides installation level requirements for commanders to identify, counsel and track military and civilian motorcycle riders under their command. "

The purpose of the program is to prescribe training, and equipment requirements for all personnel assigned or attached to Fort Huachuca who operate a motorcycle on and off post. These requirements are mandatory for all Service members and optional and encouraged for retirees, civilians and family members, according to the memorandum.

Operator safety training offered

The Army Progressive Motorcycle Program is designed to consistently keep operator training current and sustain or enrich rider skills. The program consists of courses for basic riders, experienced riders, motorcycle sports riders, skills refreshment and sustainment.

Before operating any motorcycle, Soldiers must successfully complete an appropriate Motorcycle Safety Foundation-based basic rider's course or state-approved operator's safety training. Based on the type of motorcycle(s) owned and operated, Soldiers complete either the Experienced Rider's Course/Basic Rider's Course II or Motorcycle Sports Rider's Course/Advanced Rider's Course II within 12 months of completing the basic course. Motorcycle Refresher Training, or MRT, is required for any Soldier deployed for more than 180 days.

Department of the Army Civilian employees who operate motorcycles while performing their duties will need to complete the training requirements. Military retirees, and military family members or dependents are not permitted to attend Army sponsored training but are highly encouraged to attend a motorcycle safety course. These are offered at many local colleges.

All Soldiers are required to complete motorcycle sustainment training, based on the type of motorcycle owned or operated, within five years of completing an ERC/BRC--II or MSRC/ARC. A Soldier can meet the sustainment training requirement, at no expense to the government, by taking an Army-approved advanced level MC course. A list of courses meeting the criteria is located on the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center website, https://safety.army.mil. Course enrollment information is also available by contacting the Installation Safety Office at 520.533.3697, or accessing the Army Installation Management Command Registration System at the following link, https://imc.army.mil/airs/usg_disclaimer.aspx).

Additionally, after a five-year period of inactivity or the acquisition of a new or change in motorcycles, operators will complete sustainment training. Additionally, safety officials encourage Soldiers to take sustainment training after a major geographical change.

Operator safety -- PPE matters!

Commanders need to ensure all individuals covered by Army regulations wear the following personal protective equipment while operating motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles on the installation and all Soldiers at any time on or off Army installations.

For personnel riding MCs and ATVs in the United States, helmets must be certified to meet DOT Safety Standard No. 218 and must be properly fastened under the chin.

Eye protection must be designed to meet or exceed ANSI Z87.1, reference (z) for impact and shatter resistance. This includes goggles, wraparound glasses or a full-face shield properly attached to a helmet.

Foot protection. Foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles. Durable leather or ballistic-type cloth athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn.

Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Wearing MC jackets and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials (such as leather, Kevlar?, or Cordura?) and containing impact-absorbing padding is strongly encouraged.

Select personal protective equipment that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material. Visibility gear is defined as brightly colored long-sleeved shirt, jacket or vest during the day and a retro-reflective vest or jacket at night. A physical training belt will not substitute for brightly colored and retro-reflective clothing.

Use backpacks worn over the shoulder that are brightly colored during the day and have a retro-reflective material at night. PT belts may not be used as a substitute for these visibility requirements.

According to the MSF, approximately 50 percent of motorcycle fatalities involved the motorcyclist having alcohol in their system. Alcohol impairs a person's judgment and slows reaction time, and both are extremely dangerous elements to add to the situation when operating any motor vehicle.

While May is the focal month for motorcycle safety, the requirements outlined here apply every day of the year, every time a person operates or rides a motorcycle or ATV. They are in place to protect by helping prevent users from suffering injuries or fatalities.