Dyess promotes motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert Hicks
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Due to the increased number of motorcycle accidents in the Air Force, Dyess began promoting motorcycle safety awareness earlier this year.

The 317th Airlift Group organized "Motorcycle Safety Day". Riders received safety inspections, briefs and participated in a 40-minute ride. The ride highlighted the practical application of proper safety gear, defensive riding and riding through different types of terrain.

Service members are required to wear an approved Department of Transportation helmet, approved safety goggles, glasses or face shield, long pants, foot wear covering the ankle, gloves and a long sleeve brightly colored upper outer garment for daytime and it must be reflective at night.

Servicemembers are required to take the Basic Motorcycle Safety course before riding a motorcycle on or off base and AF Civilians are also required to take the course. The Basic Motorcycle is offered free to servicemembers and Air Force civilian employees. The 7th Bomb Wing safety office also offers to servicemembers and AF civilian employees the Experienced Riders Course and the Sport Motorcycle Riders Course at no cost.

"April is the worst month for motorcycle riders in the Air Force," said Col. Dan P. Dagher, 317th Airlift Group commander. "We want to be pro-active and encourage motorcycle safety to new and old riders."

According to the National Safety Council, a motorcyclist is 35 times more likely to be killed in an accident than typical motorist.

"Recently, we had two Dyess Airmen arrested for racing their motorcycles at speeds of over 100 miles per hour," said Tech. Sgt. Amber King, 7th Bomb Wing safety. "I'm extremely concerned that we're on the verge of our next motorcycle fatality."

From October 2010 until now, there have been 24 reported motorcycle accidents and one of them was fatal, Sergeant King said.

The Green Knights also participated in the motorcycle safety ride.

The Green Knights is a motorcycle club that mentor younger riders. Their goal is to enhance the safety of motorcycle riders, encourage rider education and skills development, and reduce the potential for motorcycle mishaps.

To get more information on the motorcycle safety course, call the safety office at, (325) 696-7215.

For more information on the Green Knights, log on to www.texasgreenknights.org.