Safety officials aim to combat motorcycle mishaps through education

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nadine Y. Barclay
  • 31st Fighter Wing
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Since the beginning of fiscal year 2011, Aviano has had three motorcycle mishaps.

Last year, three American Airmen assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. An average of nearly two motorcycle fatalities have occurred per year in USAFE since fiscal year 2006.

"Our goal is to provide motorcycle riders at Aviano the tools needed to make safe choices when riding, thus reducing the number of mishaps," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith, 31st Fighter Wing motorcycle safety program manager. "Mishaps that occurred earlier this year were due to speeding while passing and the other was due to circumstances beyond the rider's control."

The 31st FW Safety office, in accordance with Air Force instruction 91-207, mandates that all incoming riders enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course upon arrival and take a refresher course every subsequent three years. Riders are encouraged to take the Basic Riders' Course if buying a new motorcycle or the Experienced Riders' Course if they have had an absence in riding for any major period of time.

"We are teaching riders the basic skills needed for driving on the road, "said Staff Sgt. Trevor Bridges, BRC instructor. "It's no secret that riding a motorcycle exposes riders to more hazards than driving a car. Riders need to take more things into consideration to operate a motorcycle safely."

On average, the 31st FW Safety office has between 13 to 15 riders' course instructors available to help meet the incoming number of motorcycle riders; however, the safety office is still seeking seasoned riders to become instructors and mentors to Airmen new to riding.

"As an instructor you are first making it legal for riders to operate motorcycles in Italy and Europe," said Sergeant Bridges. " Second, you're giving riders time to learn how to operate their motorcycle in a controlled environment. Basically, building the riders confidence in their motorcycle and how they can operate it safely."

The next basic riders' coach course will be held June 22 to 30.

Those seeking to become instructors must have attended the BRC and must be competent on their bike. They are also encouraged to attend the ERC, but it is not required.

For more information or to volunteer to be an instructor, contact Sergeant Smith at 632-1492.