ACC provides top-notch motorcycle safety program

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Riding a motorcycle can be a great way to relax, recharge and enjoy summertime; however, the reality is that motorcycle crashes killed approximately 4,500 people in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Operating a motorcycle is fun, but it can be dangerous if we are not properly trained, do not maintain situational awareness or respect our riding capabilities, said Col. Sidney Mayeux, ACC Safety director.

"If you ride, be safe, wear your protective equipment, and know your capabilities," Mayeux said. "The loss of even one Airman directly impacts readiness."

The basic rider course is mandatory for all military personnel who operate a motorcycle on a roadway. The Air Force simplifies the process by making motorcycle safety courses free for service members. In addition, some bases provide a motorcycle for those who would like to take the BRC, but do not own a bike.

Basic and advanced rider courses are available throughout ACC, with active-duty students having first priority. Department of Defense employees whose duty status dictates the need to ride are authorized to take the courses. Additionally, dependants can participate, if the slots are available.

The sports bike course is another option and is highly encouraged for those that own one. Local safety offices will have detailed information on course availability and student requirements.

In addition to attending a safety course, riders must wear personal protective equipment to include a certified helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and foot protection in accordance with Air Force Instruction 91-207.

Master Sgt. Benjamin Tuck, ACC Weapons Safety manager and veteran motorcyclist, recalled an incident in which one of his Airmen was involved in a motorcycle accident. Because the Airman was wearing personal protective equipment, his injuries were minor.

"He had bad road rash on his legs; however, he didn't have any road rash from the waist up because he was wearing a jacket, and his helmet he was wearing prevented him from cracking his head," Tuck said.

This year, ACC lost two Airmen to this high-risk activity and for Mayeux, that's 2 too many.

"Bottom line is when an Airman jumps on a motorcycle he accepts a risk far beyond any other off-duty activity we're seeing and we've got to pay attention to him," Mayeux said. "Zero fatalities is what we want."