Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – The next time you decide to use your cell phone while driving your car and think you’re still paying attention to your surroundings, you may be in for a rude awakening and very serious consequences.

“One of our own, (a Scott Air Force Base civilian worker) was fatally injured in last year in a car vs. motorcycle wreck while riding his motorcycle,” said Michael A. Cox Sr., USTRANSCOM Motorcycle Safety Rep/Motorcycle Safety Mentor.  “Our motorcyclist was traveling west on State Hwy 177 and stopped (yielding right of way to oncoming traffic) to make a left turn onto Plum Hill School Road. While stopped, he was rear ended by a car.  This motorist was speeding, texting and obviously distracted.”

According to Air Force Maj. Thomas J. Ringlein, USTRANSCOM Motorcycle Mentor, the most common motorcycle accident is when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle causing a collision. 

“Seventy-seven percent of all car/motorcycle accidents (where a car and a motorcycle collide) happen at intersections.” Ringlein said.  “Being rear ended is rare - only occurs in about 3 percent of car and motorcycle collisions.  But when it happens, it is usually pretty severe.”

“Also, I would say that I agree that the best message we can put forward is for those driving automobiles should take an extra second to try and notice bikers,” Ringlein continued.  “So much of the onus has been put on bikers to be responsible for watching for and identifying autos, but more times than not, I see the actions of automobile drivers being responsible for putting bikers at risk.”

As the weather warms, more and more two- and three-wheeled vehicles appear on roads across the country.  The National Safety Council encourages motorists to share the road with motorcyclists and be extra alert when they are nearby as it proclaims May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

With this in mind, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers the following information to help reduce motorcycle and four-wheeler accidents.

More than half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle - they ignore it (usually unintentionally).

• Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether you're just changing lanes or turning at intersections.




• Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or in to (or out of) a driveway, be aware that a motorcycle may be closer than it looks.




• Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance. At intersections, realize that a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.




• Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.




• Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) occasionally forget to turn them off. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is intentional.


• Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.




• Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."

Ringlein also stresses that motorcyclists on base must have a motorcycle endorsement on a valid state issued drivers license.  Military riders must also have a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class card in their possession.

“All services require service members to wear a DOT certified helmet, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, long pants and over the ankle boots at all times when riding a motorcycle, either on or off base,” Ringlein said.  “The Air Force is the only service that mandates the use of a brightly colored fluorescent outer upper garment at all times.  Other services merely highly suggest their use.”

“USTRANSCOM does an excellent job of mentoring motorcyclist and ensuring safety is the number one priority,” said Cox.  “The Wing offers training for both initial and advanced riders.  Major Ringlein and I set the example for those in the Command by riding safely with proper gear all the time.”

The next Basic Rider course is scheduled for May 7-8 and the next Experienced Riders Course for May 16.

“I think we can better partner with our friends and colleagues in cars and trucks to be more attentive operators and watching out for each other,” Ringlein said.  “However, a smart rider never lets their guard down.  Let's work together to share the road safely.”

For future course information contact Ringlein at Thomas.ringlein@ustranscom.mil.

                                                            - USTRANSCOM -