Motorcycle safety magnified for Air Commandos in the summer months

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jeff Parkinson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The warm Florida climate is inviting to motorcycle riders due to the ability to ride year round; however, for Air Commandos who take part in the sport, this means brushing up on motorcycle safety and a refresher on the regulations set by Air Force Instruction 91-207.

All military personnel, on or off duty, who operate a motorcycle are required to attend and complete an approved motorcycle rider education course before they can operate a motorcycle, according to AFI 91-207.

According to Tech. Sgt. Clint Hunt, 1st Special Operations Wing ground safety technician, in order to ride on base, the member must be issued AF Form 483, motorcycle competency card from the safety office.

“Members are also required to be placed in the Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool,” said Hunt. “This is how members are tracked to ensure they are current on training.”

While riding on base, Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron can request proof of this training at any time.

“Information on this card states the last course taken and when their training expires,” Hunt explained. “If personnel are caught riding on base, not current on training the penalties are severe; first offence is loss of all driving privileges on base for 7 days, second offence is 30 days, and the third is one year.”

In addition to this training, Air Commandos are required to wear personal protective equipment in accordance to AFI 91-207.

· PPE #1 Head Gear: Helmets come in all sizes, from extra-small to extra-large. When you purchase a helmet make sure it fits properly by trying it on, wear it around the store for a few minutes. The helmet should fit comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose. Full-face helmets give the most protection since it covers the head and face. Also, all adult-sized helmets used by motorcyclists in the U.S. must be Department of Transportation compliant indicated by a DOT sticker, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.

· PPE #2 Eye protection: A windshield on a motorcycle is not considered eye protection according to the 1st SOW Safety Office. Proper eye protection means an approved shield on your helmet, a pair of goggles, or shatterproof glasses.

· PPE #3 Protective clothing: Protective clothing is made from sturdy materials such as leather. According to the safety office, leather provides the rider the most protection when it comes to abrasion. Riders can purchase protective clothing that have ventilation to help keep cool during hotter months as well as gear that includes bright reflective colors to help them stand out to other motor vehicles.

· PPE #4 Gloves and over-the-ankle boots: Motorcyclists are required to wear gloves when riding, even in hot weather, to protect the hands in the event debris is kicked up by other vehicles and to protect from abrasion when falling. Boots like uniform boots worn during the duty day are appropriate, as they should be made of tough material with non-slip soles to prevent sliding when stopped.

The safety office reminds Air Commandos in cars to watch for motorcycles and for motorcyclists to watch for cars.

For more information on Hurlburt Field's regulations and other safety tips contact your squadron's motorcycle safety representative.