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As the summer months continue the sounds of motorcycles can be heard roaring down the roads. But riders are reminded of the mandatory safety gear when operating a two-wheeled vehicle both on and off base.
Recently, riders have been spotted on and off the installation for not wearing the required personal protective equipment for motorcycles listed in Air Force Instruction 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program.
“We as safety and motorcycle riders need to get the word out to your fellow riders,” said Master Sgt. David Bragg, 86th Airlift Wing Safety Flight non-commissioned officer. “You don’t want to be the one to get caught or worse injured because you didn’t wear the proper gear.”
Although some riders may not enjoy wearing equipment such as helmets and gloves on days with temperatures reaching into the 90s, there is no room for mistakes in the AFI for not wearing the proper gear and those who do not can be cited.
“Riders, no matter how hot it is outside, need to be wearing all the required gear,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Chromy, 86th Airlift Wing Safety Flight traffic safety NCO. “There is no excuse (for) not wearing your gear.”
Many motorcycle owners are briefed of the required safety equipment upon entering the motorcycle safety course and at yearly safety meetings, but if riders are unsure of the exact requirements, the wing safety office mandates the use of the following items.
Per AFI 91-207 Para.
3.4.2.4. Personal Protection Equipment:
3.4.2.4.1. Head Protection. A helmet designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds the DOT standard. Commanders may authorize use of tactical helmets in appropriate off-road training or operating environments after completing an
ORM evaluation.
3.4.2.4.2. Eye Protection. Goggles, wrap around glasses or a full-face shield (properly attached to helmet) designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance will be worn. A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds ANSI Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance.
3.4.2.4.3. Protective Clothing. Wear of long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves are required. Gloves should be sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Wear of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar, and/or Cordura containing impact absorbing padding are strongly encouraged.
3.4.2.4.4. Foot Protection. Riders will wear sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn). Sandals, low quarter sneakers and similar footwear will not be used.
3.4.2.4.5. Garment and Motorcycle Visibility. Motorcycle riders will wear a brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. Outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it has brightly colored/reflective properties.
AFI 91-207 U.S. Air Force in Europe Supplement Para.
3.4.2.4.1.1. Regardless of country assigned, all personnel who operate or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet which, at a minimum, meets certification requirements of ECE 22.05.
All riders know the fun of getting their bikes out of the garage and onto the streets, but returning home alive after an accident is the goal, and safety equipment is just a part of achieving that goal. For more information about safety, contact your unit motorcycle safety representative.
