Motorcycles top list of military's non-war worries

[Scythian]

https://www.campbell.army.mil/safety/publications.asp
If you download the "AR 385-10" publication, you can see the section concerning "Motorcycle Safety" on pages 56 and 57.

Yep, those are the ones....

Note that during the day, a white long-sleeved t-shirt; hi-top sneakers, a skid-lid; wraparound sunglasses; blue jeans and leather work gloves are in accordance with the PPE standard.

I was wearing ATGATT, but my jacket was black and the local commander ruled that reflective "flightline belts" no longer met the 'bright outergarment' req. while a guy wearing the above meets all the standards.....

Hey, it's the military.... I've been active duty or National Guard my entire adult life--it just wears on me once in a while and bitching is the ointment that treats that wear!

 

[Tek]

https://www.campbell.army.mil/safety/publications.asp
If you download the "AR 385-10" publication, you can see the section concerning "Motorcycle Safety" on pages 56 and 57.

Yep, those are the ones....

Note that during the day, a white long-sleeved t-shirt; hi-top sneakers, a skid-lid; wraparound sunglasses; blue jeans and leather work gloves are in accordance with the PPE standard.

I was wearing ATGATT, but my jacket was black and the local commander ruled that reflective "flightline belts" no longer met the 'bright outergarment' req. while a guy wearing the above meets all the standards.....

Hey, it's the military.... I've been active duty or National Guard my entire adult life--it just wears on me once in a while and bitching is the ointment that treats that wear!

Here at the Air Force base where I work, they actually have a new sport bike centered class that anyone that has a sportbike will be required to take--that will be IN ADDITION to the beginning or experienced ridercourse that is required for you to even be able to bring your bike on the base... From what I have seen of the preliminary info, it seems to be a few of the ERC range exercises and a lot of emphasis on proper cornering speed and control. If I remember correctly, if the person is under 26 (maybe 27, not sure) they will have to retake the sport bike class every year. (Air Force Instructions call for a refresher for the BRC and ERC every 3 years, regardless of age)

We also have to wear the paperboy vests during hours of darkness, but during daylight hours, we're okay with contrasting or bright colors. Also, if you wear a backpack during the hours of darkness, it must now include "reflective elements" as well--they justify that by explaining that the pack blocks the paperboy vest from the rear. They don't specify how reflective the packs have to be, so we have guys that just wrap their safety belt around the pack, and it's good enough to get them on base... The AF has had many fatalities due to sportbikes/sportbike riders, and they're mostly single vehicle accidents.

They're trying to do something about it, so I have to give them credit for that.

Tek

 

[FJRottie]

If MSF is required, and is such a great endeavor, then why do riders still crash? I believe that despite programs like MSF, the accident/death rate is still going to be determined by individual skill, circumstance, and above all, pure and simple luck. Some morons will ride into their old age drunk and oblivious, while MSF Stich wearing rule followers will get whacked early on. I fully believe, and always have, it's ultimately the riders skill that determines lifespan. Some people should never get involved with 2 wheelers, no matter how much training they get, while some who have the natural ability to kick all our ***** never even consider getting a bike.

I agree 100%. In my mind that is not just a perception, but fact. Some people, no matter how much training, cannot do certain things. "Experience" means nothing if you are doing something complacently, improperly, or incorrectly all these years. I recently rode with an ignoramus who's favorite line is, "Look at that guy over there, pffft, he's nothing, I have 30 years of riding on different bikes". He recently went down because he was not capable to handle the situation and still had rookie talent. He did not know what he was doing.

The reflective gear I am speculative. From head on, a biker is hidden by fairings, headlights, and windshields. If you can't see that, you won't see him. From the back, if the rider has any kind of trunk, you don't see anything but the back of the bike and a helmet. From the side, well if you can't see a bike in front of you, you are blind. By the time you notice the reflective gear in front of you, it is too late.

The most effective way for a rider to be seen is to be 100% cognizant of what is around him, be seen, be ready and willing to react and if you think you are bullet-proof..I hope you have a nice funeral. I have prevented many incidents or accidents I could have had because of my defensive riding. I do not trust anyone on the road, you can't. I ride within my capabilities.

You cannot control every situation and when your times comes, it comes.

If you think you cannot learn something from anyone, you are a fool.

 

[luvtoride]

Not surprising. But at the same time, the article omits the fact that the military is the ONLY organization that requires MSF training for all riders just to get a bike on base.

I think that the Navy presence here in Norfolk is doing the same thing.