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ABERDEEN CITY, England - During the summer months, motorcycles and bicycles are seen more often on the road.
With more riders out, it is critical for drivers and riders to take care and share the motorway. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
Since the "Critical Days of Summer" began this year, there have been three motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe command. Both motorcycle and bicycle riders should take proper precautions to avoid any mishaps.
“Wear all of the required personal protective equipment found in Air Force Instruction 91-207 ‘The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program,’” said Airman 1st Class Ian Rohm, 100th Communications Squadron motorcycle safety representative.
The PPE outlined in the AFI for motorcycle riders includes a full-face helmet that meets the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe standards, protective jacket and gloves, long pants and shoes that cover the ankles. Bicycle helmets are required PPE for bicyclists while on base.
“If an individual is injured and not using the appropriate PPE, then this person may be subject to having a Line of Duty Determination completed in accordance with Air Force Instruction 36-2910 ‘Line of Duty (Misconduct) Determination,’” said Staff Sgt. Justin McCrary, 100th Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate office non-commissioned officer in charge of general and civil law. “There are many variables that come in to play and decisions are made based on the facts of each individual case. Additionally, the member could face other administrative or punitive actions.”
Additionally, both motorcycle and bicycle riders must wear reflective clothing during the hours of darkness. During daylight hours, riders are encouraged to wear bright clothing.
Sometimes the difference between life and death is your PPE, added Rohm.
“Approximately, 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a rider and only 20 percent of car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger,” said Staff Sgt. Cassandra Denton, 100th CS unit safety monitor.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 630 bicyclists were killed and 51,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2009.
Bicycle riders are reminded to go with the traffic flow, obey all traffic laws, yield to traffic when appropriate, be predictable, stay alert at all times, look before turning and watch out for parked cars.
“Always be vigilant,” said Rohm. “Think as if everybody can’t see you, you’re invisible. Try your hardest to be visible at all times.”
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2012 07:38 |
| Story ID: | 91412 |
| Location: | ABERDEEN CITY, GB |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Ride like you’re going to fall down, by MSgt Rachel Waller, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
