Robins shares road rules of motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Holly Logan-Arrington
  • Robins Public Affairs

Even the most experienced motorcyclists can use a reminder or two about motorcycle safety ins and outs.

Robins Air Force Base recently offered its Motorcycle Safety course, a class required for all new active-duty military motorcyclists, which reminds riders of the requirements of wearing personal protective equipment, having the proper licensing, endorsement or learners permit, and more.

In addition to revisiting safety basics, active-duty military riders must notify their immediate supervisors, commanders and Unit Motorcycle Safety Representatives of their intent to ride and receive initial motorcycle safety briefing within 30 duty days of arrival into their units.

In 2013, the requirement for Defense Department civilian riders to participate in the Air Force Motorcycle Safety Program ended. 

“This means that civilians that ride a motorcycle to and from work as their primary mode of transportation no longer have to comply with tracking or training requirements associated with the Air Force Motorcycle Safety Program and Military Unit Safety Tracking Tool (MUSTT),” said Rodney Whitaker, Motorcycle Safety Program manager in the 78th Air Base Wing Safety Office.

“With that said civilian riders must continue to comply with all Air Force requirements related to personal protective equipment,” Whitaker said.    

Air Force civilians whose position description requires operating a motorcycle, however, will need to successfully complete the motorcycle safety training, Whitaker said.

“They’ll be identified by their supervisor and referred to their unit MSR at which time they will be tracked in the Military Unit Safety Tracking Tool and required to follow all Air Force Motorcycle Safety Program requirements to include PPE while performing assigned duties,” he said.

What to know: Motorcycle Safety Tips

1. Always wear a USDOT compliant helmets and other appropriate PPE

2. Get trained and obtain a motorcycle operator license

3. Stay visible

4. Ride alert and unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs

5. Ride within your limits

6. Be a lifelong learner and practice regularly

7. Always leave yourself a safe way out 

Despite the differences in training requirements, Whitaker said all motorcyclists and vehicle drivers have a responsibility in ensuring both stay safe.

“Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road and can be hidden in vehicle blind spots,” he said.  “Drivers should always look out for motorcyclists by using mirrors and signaling when making lane changes. Motorcyclist have a responsibility by obeying all traffic laws, being alert to drivers, ensuring visibility, never riding impaired or distracted and wearing PPE.”