Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

By ASA(I&E) for STAND-TO!May 5, 2010

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

What is it'

May is the beginning of peak motorcycle riding season. Motorcycle safety awareness month is designed to raise awareness of the need to manage such a risky activity properly.

What has the Army done'

In 2008, the Joint Service Safety Council identified motorcycle safety as the number one non-combat safety issue facing the services. Accidents and fatalities were on the rise. Since then, the Army has been able to reverse the trend through training and education, and accidents and fatalities have decreased. Motorcycle safety and training remains a top non-combat safety concern.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center's website provides information on motorcycle safety tips, best practices, and training, as well as upcoming motorcycle safety events at Army installations such as the fourth annual Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event at Pentagon North Parking on May 7-8, 2010. The Army's Motorcycle Mentorship Program connects less experienced riders with seasoned riders at installations to create positive conduct and behavior and serve as a force multiplier that supports a commander's motorcycle accident prevention program.

Why is this important to the Army'

More motorcycles than ever are registered on Army installations. Motorcycle riding has become the off-duty activity of choice for many Soldiers. Lessons learned in becoming a skilled and professional motorcyclist can be transferred to other Soldiering activities.

Roadways are kill zones. Other motorists often do not notice motorcyclists. Motorcyclists must be keenly aware of their surroundings at all times, abide by Army regulations and local law, and wear their personal protective equipment (PPE). There is no luck involved in motorcycle safety. It is about training, practice and preparedness. When motorcycling, you need to be good to be safe. A significant percentage of the accidents and fatalities involve new riders with limited experience in motorcycle handling and training in motorcycle safety. Alcohol and speed were factors in many of these accidents.

Motorcycle accidents impact readiness. The Soldier is our centerpiece, and the well-being of our Soldiers is the foundation of our readiness. As we enter the peak motorcycle riding season, we want to increase motorcycle safety awareness within the total Army family in order to decrease accidents and fatalities.

Resources:

<a href=" https://safety.army.mil/povmotorcyclesafety" target="_blank"> U. S. Army Combat Readiness Center </a>

<a href="http://www.militarysaferide.com" target="_blank"> Pentagon Motorcycle Safety Event</a>