FORT SILL, Oklahoma (June 9, 2022) - With the warm summer months comes an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road. Motorcyclists as well as passenger vehicles need to remain vigilant.
Vehicle operators need to be aware of who they share the roadway with. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash. The small size of motorcycles adds to the potential for accidents. “You are looking for a big target like a car, making motorcycle riders easy to overlook,” said Rosado.
For their part, motorcycle riders also need to take precautions. Adhering to the rules of the road is paramount in preventing accidents, says Kenneth Broughton, Garrison Safety Office Manager. “As with all motor vehicle accidents speed is often a factor.”
Fort Sill Regulation 385-10 Appendix K requires that all motorcycle riders wear basic PPE. This includes a DOT approved helmet, long sleeved shirt/jacket, fingered gloves, long trousers, boots and eye protection. Safety vests are no longer required.
Additionally, the regulation requires any military member operating a motorcycle on Fort Sill, as well as off post, complete two training courses, the Basic Rider Course 1 and 2 at no cost to the service member, said Broughton.
BRC-1 designed for beginning riders of all ages. In the classroom, students will learn about the different types of motorcycles, layout and operation of the basic controls, and how to become a safer, more responsible rider. You’ll then move to the riding range where an MSF-certified RiderCoach will guide you through the basic skills of straight-line riding, stopping, shifting, and turning, gradually progressing to swerving and emergency braking. The course provides the motorcycles.
BRC-2 is an advanced course and is required to be taken within 180 days after the completion of the BRC-1. This one-day course is for licensed motorcycle riders, with their own bikes, who want to improve or refresh their riding skills on their personal motorcycle. Topics include responsible riding habits, selecting the appropriate riding gear, basic riding skills, defensive strategies, handling various riding situations, advanced turning, shifting, and crash avoidance. This course is required for operators of all types of motorcycles.
After completion of both courses, riders are also required to participate in the Motorcycle Mentorship Program. This program pairs less experienced riders and seasoned riders, within the same unit, who can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding and enjoyment. The prospective rider is required to spend eight hours riding with their unit’s mentor who will then “sign off” on the operator’s ability to ride unsupervised on and off post.
“Commanders get your soldiers to sign up,” said Broughton. “These courses and using good risk management are important so riders can continue to enjoy the nice weather and, of course, enjoy their motorcycle in one piece.
New classes begin each week and training may be scheduled through the Army IMCOM Registration System at https://home.army.mil/imcom/index.php/customers/safety.
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