MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Motorcycle season is upon Malmstrom riders.
To start the year off right, the 341st Missile Wing safety office provided a wing motorcycle pre-season safety briefing for all base riders.
Lt. Col. Kevin Byrd, 341st MW chief of safety, kicked off the brief with a few words.
“No matter what our level of experience, it’s always good to get out there and get those reminders,” said Byrd. “We know that there are lots of hazards that come along with riding motorcycles especially here in Montana.”
From normal hazards to wildlife, riders are encouraged to perform risk management before they go out for a ride.
“The biggest thing is risk management,” said Byrd. “We see that in our jobs that we do, we emphasize that, your commanders and supervisors are emphasizing risk management but it doesn’t stop when we leave the gate and we are off duty.”
Along with risk management, completing required training and using proper personal protective equipment is a must.
“PPE…wear it,” emphasized Kelly Nathe, 341st MW assistant ground safety manager. “We need to ensure we are getting the proper and required training done. Take advantage of courses that are out there to stay current.”
Nathe went on to say, watch everything out there and dress for the crash. When we get into a motorcycle wreck, we are the soft tissue and have a 67 percent chance of dying.
“This time of year when we are starting to hit the streets, we have a lot to look out for,” said Nathe. “Other drivers are not looking out for us and the other big thing is all that sand and pea gravel that accumulated everywhere.”
Safety is stressed for all riders whether on or off duty.
For those riders who need to complete classes and annual safety briefings or for more information about rider’s safety, contact your unit motorcycle safety representative.