News

Two-wheel talks: Motorcycle safety briefings mandated for active-duty riders

  • Published
  • By Wayne Crenshaw
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --   Many Robins Airmen who ride motorcycles can expect to get some high-level safety instruction in the near future.

In an effort to curb motorcycle accidents, Gen. Donald Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command commander, issued a directive for all active-duty riders in the command to have a one-on-one meeting with their commander or director to discuss how to make sure every ride ends safely. Hoffman said the directive is the result of an investigation into a motorcycle fatality which indicated a need for additional guidance.

John Ainsworth, safety specialist at Robins, said some commanders are already giving safety briefings to military and civilian riders, but the new directive makes this briefing mandatory for active-duty riders to ride on or off base and spells out specifics to be discussed.

While civilians are not required to have the briefing, they are encouraged to do so, Ainsworth said. Civilians who want the briefing should ask their supervisor.

"The benefit for a rider receiving this briefing is if it's important to supervision, it's reinforced to the rider," Ainsworth said.

Riders already cleared to ride on base must have the briefing, even if they have had a similar briefing in the past, he said.

The directive says the briefings will cover topics such as standards of conduct, reckless behavior, and recommendations for further training based on the rider's experience and type of bike. It also calls for commanders to monitor "high-risk" riders.