FORT BRAGG, N.C. - As the summer months begin, you will see an increasing number of motorcyclists on the road. Along with the increased number of motorcycles, the accident and fatality rate also rise.
The number of fatalities from motorcycle crashes has doubled in the past decade from 2,294 in 1998 to 5,290 in 2008 according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
In 2009, that number declined to 4,462 in the U.S. Of which 155 were in North Carolina, 32 Army wide and three associated with Fort Bragg. As of May 2, Fort Bragg has had two motorcycle fatalities this year.
Attending a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved course should be the first step for all riders. Marnie M. Boboige, Fort Bragg Army traffic safety instructor, explains why it is important to attend these courses.
“The number one reason is because it’s regulation,” said Boboige. “Another reason is because (participants) are going to gain the knowledge and skills to be able to ride safely. Being able to practice in a controlled environment is very beneficial. We see people who have ridden for years and thank us because they realize they have picked up some bad habits.”
Boboige said that the most dangerous riders are those who feel like they know it all.
There are many things that motorcycle riders and other motorist can do to ensure accident numbers are reduced or avoided all together.
“Make sure that you able to get out on a good day,” said Sgt. Clifford M. Eggert, operations non-commissioned officer in charge, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, and experienced rider of 22 years.
“Don’t go riding beyond your means, make sure you are wearing the equipment that you are suppose to be wearing, don’t let people push you to do more than you can. Make sure you ride in groups not alone, you are more likely to be seen, and make sure you are licensed to ride and have had the proper courses,” he added.
Eggert urges other motorist to check their mirrors two or three times and be aware of motorcyclist on the roads and never to assume they are a scooter or slower moving.
“I keep seeing people not in the proper PPE,” said Boboige. “We need to get the message out that they need to wear a DOT approved helmet, eye pro, long sleeves, long pants and sturdy, over the ankle footwear, full finger gloves and at a minimum a PT belt.”
According to the NTSB, wearing a safety helmet can reduce the overall risk of dying in a crash by 37 percent. North Carolina is one of 20 states, that require all riders and passengers wear helmets.
Motorcycle helmets are considered legally compliant if they meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, which requires helmets to have a firm, inner liner of polystyrene foam that is about one-inch thick.
The helmet must be properly secured on the head using a strap so that it will stay on in the event of a crash.
Compliant motorcycle safety helmets will also carry the symbol “DOT,” for U.S. Department of Transportation, permanently installed by the manufacturer on the back of the helmet, as well as a permanently attached manufacturer’s label on the interior of the helmet. Novelty-type helmets are not compliant with FMVSS-218.
“For Soldiers, no matter where they are, even if they go to a state that does not require you to wear a helmet, as military, they are still required to wear all the personal protective equipment all the time no matter where they are,” said Boboige.
The Department of Defense requires all riders on military installations to wear proper equipment and complete proper training in accordance with DODI 6055.4 and Appendix B of AR 385-55.
“When you go for a ride, dress for the slide,” said Steve M. Brunner, Fort Bragg Army traffic safety instructor. “You cannot call time out and put on that protective equipment. There is no pause or reset button on a motorcycle.”
For more information about Fort Bragg’s motorcycle safety courses or safety information, visit our website at www.braggmotorcyclecourse.com.
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