Too many times, I am driving down the road and I see a motorcyclist who is not wearing the proper gear, is moving too fast for the road conditions or is passing unsafely.
Motorcycles can be a great form of transportation and entertainment, but motorcycles are powerful machines and must be respected. Too many motor-
cyclists have been killed or seriously injured because of unsafe motorcycle operation, poor risk management or operating their motorcycles beyond their abilities.
All of you are critical to mission success and we care about you and your families. I need your help (motorcycle riders) and your help (leaders) across the KMC to bring unsafe practices to a stop.
Military riders know the standards. You must wear an approved helmet, eye protection, full-fingered gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, shoes or boots that cover the ankles and a high visibility garment such as a PT vest or a brightly-colored jacket with reflective tape.
Experienced riders: train your buddies to operate safely by mitigating risk, passing on your experience and correcting mistakes. The U.S. Army has established a motorcycle mentorship program that provides motorcyclists the opportunity to work together to maximize their skills, reduce accidents and foster teamwork and support.
Commanders and leaders at all levels: I expect you to fully endorse and support these programs, which solely exist to identify and mitigate the risks involved in motorcycling. Engage your support activities, such as safety offices and the provost marshal, for suggestions and assistance.
Leaders, we have the responsibility to mentor and develop our team. This includes responsible motorcycle riding and motorcycle mentorship. Every leader must identify and conduct face-to-face counseling with motorcycle riders under their supervision.
Review the operator’s experience, license with motorcycle endorsement, Motorcycle Safety Foundation card, insurance and vehicle registration and inspection. Discuss motorcycle safety, hazards, equipment maintenance, personal protective gear and the effects of speed, alcohol and fatigue.
Remember that leadership and risk management do not end with the duty day. It is the responsibility of every leader at every level to make on-the-spot corrections, to counsel military riders for not adhering to standards and policies and to report those who violate the rules of the road.Now is the time to identify and take action to manage the risks involved in motorcycling.
I’m calling on everyone who can make a difference – gate guards at all installations, supervisors at all levels, peer-leaders across our military communities and all motor-cycle riders – to work together to end unsafe riding. Teamwork, leader engagement and individual adherence to standards will prevent loss due to careless motorcycle operation and lack of risk management.Ride safely and enjoy the summer
season.
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Too many times, I am driving down the road and I see a motorcyclist who is not wearing the proper gear, is moving too fast for the road conditions or is passing unsafely.
Motorcycles can be a great form of transportation and entertainment, but motorcycles are powerful machines and must be respected. Too many motor-
cyclists have been killed or seriously injured because of unsafe motorcycle operation, poor risk management or operating their motorcycles beyond their abilities.
All of you are critical to mission success and we care about you and your families. I need your help (motorcycle riders) and your help (leaders) across the KMC to bring unsafe practices to a stop.
Military riders know the standards. You must wear an approved helmet, eye protection, full-fingered gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, shoes or boots that cover the ankles and a high visibility garment such as a PT vest or a brightly-colored jacket with reflective tape.
Experienced riders: train your buddies to operate safely by mitigating risk, passing on your experience and correcting mistakes. The U.S. Army has established a motorcycle mentorship program that provides motorcyclists the opportunity to work together to maximize their skills, reduce accidents and foster teamwork and support.
Commanders and leaders at all levels: I expect you to fully endorse and support these programs, which solely exist to identify and mitigate the risks involved in motorcycling. Engage your support activities, such as safety offices and the provost marshal, for suggestions and assistance.
Leaders, we have the responsibility to mentor and develop our team. This includes responsible motorcycle riding and motorcycle mentorship. Every leader must identify and conduct face-to-face counseling with motorcycle riders under their supervision.
Review the operator’s experience, license with motorcycle endorsement, Motorcycle Safety Foundation card, insurance and vehicle registration and inspection. Discuss motorcycle safety, hazards, equipment maintenance, personal protective gear and the effects of speed, alcohol and fatigue.
Remember that leadership and risk management do not end with the duty day. It is the responsibility of every leader at every level to make on-the-spot corrections, to counsel military riders for not adhering to standards and policies and to report those who violate the rules of the road.Now is the time to identify and take action to manage the risks involved in motorcycling.
I’m calling on everyone who can make a difference – gate guards at all installations, supervisors at all levels, peer-leaders across our military communities and all motor-cycle riders – to work together to end unsafe riding. Teamwork, leader engagement and individual adherence to standards will prevent loss due to careless motorcycle operation and lack of risk management.Ride safely and enjoy the summer
season.