LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Editor's Note: An advanced motorcycle safety course is scheduled for Aug. 4-6. Mandatory briefings for all 1st FW motorcycle riders will be held Aug. 4 at 9 and 10:30 a.m., and 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. in the static display hangar. The advanced riding portion of the course is available to 18 students per day Aug. 5-6 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the course, visit www.totalcontroltraining.net/HTML/FAQ.html. To register for the riding portion of the course, work through your chain of command.
1st Fighter Wing leadership and safety representatives are stressing the importance of motorcycle safety regulations set forth by the U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program.
With a lack of streamlined motorcycle safety standard regulations, Langley personnel often found themselves unknowingly at fault and without a clear set of guidelines to follow.
Harry Dunn, 1st Fighter Wing Safety Office, reiterated that Langley strictly adheres to Air Force Instruction 91-207,
The U.S. Traffic Safety Program. He encourages riders to abide by the rules in the AFI and especially stresses the importance of brightly colored upper garments.
The main concern regarding motorcycle safety is highly visible clothing. According to AFI 91-207, motorcycle riders are required to wear "a brightly colored outer garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night." The instruction also stresses that the outer garment must be visible. Backpacks are permitted, as long as they are brightly colored or have reflective elements.
Other AFI standards include the wear of protective clothing. Helmets and transparent eye protection are absolutely essential when operating a motorcycle. Long-sleeve shirts and long trousers are mandatory as well as thick, sturdy gloves. Shoes should cover ankles and feet; sandals are not permitted.
According to the safety office, the 1st FW has had no reported motorcycle mishaps so far this year. Air Combat Command reported two motorcycle incidents; one involved alcohol, and the other was attributed to a motorcyclist following the car in front too closely.
Mr. Dunn encourages all drivers, but especially motorcyclists, to "continue to practice good personal risk management, which includes planning your trip, driving defensively, and getting enough sleep."
Adherence to all motorcycle regulations will help ensure personnel remain safe during these summer months and throughout the year.