MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

  • Published
  • By 341st Missile Wing safety office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Riding a motorcycle is risky, but the risk can be lowered to an acceptable level by applying the strategies and actions below. Remember if you do have an accident whether it's your fault or not, it will affect you the most.

Know how and where to look for hazards. Use the search, predict and act method to deal with hazards. Aggressively search the environment all around and for at least 12 seconds ahead for hazards in these three groups; other users, such as vehicles, pedestrians, and animals. Another group is road signs, signals and markings. The last one is the roadway and surface. Predict and prioritize a range of possible outcomes from worst to least. Try to separate each hazard in time, and space when you can, to deal with one at a time. Try to maintain a minimum of two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. To act with skilled riding by adjusting speed up or down, adjust position/direction by swerving or cornering, and communicate with your lights/signals and horn.

Be visible while out riding. Try to see and be seen. During the day ride with your high beam on and wear a brightly colored jacket/long sleeve shirt or vest. At night, use a reflective vest and reflective tape on your helmet. Stay out of the blind spots on other vehicles. If you can not see them in their mirrors, they can not see you. Try to position yourself in the left third of the lane when you are behind someone, so they can see you in both mirrors. Always use your turn signals to turn and change lanes. Most turn signals on motorcycles are not self-canceling. An un-canceled signal will confuse other drivers and they could pull out in front of you. Flash your brake light manually or with an electric modulator when stopped and turning left, for increased visibility.

Be prepared for the ride. Have the proper mental attitude, have good information on your route and the weather, have no impairments such as alcohol. Always wear the proper riding gear, both on and off base. Use an approved DOT helmet, not a flea market fake.

Wear goggles or a face shield to keep bugs, wind, and rain out of your eyes. Always wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, full finger gloves and over the ankle boots. Be physically prepared to ride. Get enough rest, be in shape don't ride when your ill, or intoxicated. Be mechanically prepared, by inspecting your bike for defects. Use the T-CLOCK method to do a through job. The "T" stands for tires and wheels. Inspect them weekly for damage ,wear, and correct air pressure. Under inflated tires can heat up and blowout.

The "C" stands for controls. Check for chaffing and smooth operation. The "L" stands for lights. Ensure they are operational and the lenses are not cracked. The "O" stands for oil. Check for leaks and correct fluid levels. The "C" is for chassis. Check the frame, suspension, and chain/belts for loose fasteners, correct adjustment and cracks. The "K" is for kickstand. Make sure both it and the centerstand are not cracked, bent, and have the tension to hold position, both up and down.

Motorcycles, people and the environment places limits on our riding. Motorcycles have design limits, loading limits and serviceability limits we need to be aware of. Riders and other people on the road all have limits in both skill and experience. The most important responsibility once the others have been met, is to ride within the limits known or suspected to exist. Only then does one lower the risk of riding.

From the USAF Safety Center and The Motorcycle Safety Foundation