Take another look

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Felicia Juenke
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  According to http://www.edgarsnyder.com/motorcycle-accident/statistics.html, per vehicle-mile traveled, bikers are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 9 times more likely to be injured. Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for motorcycle passengers.

In the past eight months, two Dyess Airmen lost their lives due to the unsafe handling of a motorcycle.

"When it comes to rider safety, protective clothing and gear is second in importance only to rider responsibility," said Master Sgt Cameron Dallmann, Green Knights Chapter 63 safety director. "Of course, wearing the proper protective gear is part of being a responsible motorcycle rider."

The Green Knights Chapter 63 is an organization that operates here. Their purpose is to establish and maintain a spirit of comradeship and esprit de corps that enhances the prestige of all motorcycle riders, encourages on-going rider education and skills development, and reduces the potential of motorcycle mishaps.

"One of the things the Dyess Green Knights do is mentorship. It has been proven that riders who have been mentored by an experienced rider are less likely to have accidents," said Sergeant Dallmann.

"The purpose of our Motorcycle Mentorship Program is to establish a voluntary installation-level motorcycle club where less experienced riders and seasoned riders can create a supportive environment of responsible motorcycle riding and enjoyment. Such an environment can create positive conduct and behavior, and serve as a force multiplier that supports a commander's motorcycle accident prevention
Program," he added.

Aside from Green Knights-sponsored events, Dyess offers two courses that cover motorcycle safety and the proper gear to wear. These courses aren't only for the motorcyclist, but are available for any Airman who would like to attend. They teach motorcycle awareness and how to drive defensively.

"The main thing non-motorcyclists can do is just be more aware," said Sergeant Dallmann. "Too many accidents are caused by the, 'I did not see him,' syndrome. Due to the high cost of fuel, motorcyclists are in greater numbers.

"I am also a huge advocate of not being distracted when I drive my vehicle. I do not use my cell phone in my car, and it might be extreme, but I don't like even listening to my radio. It is all about focus on the road. Maybe, since I am a motorcycle rider, I often take an extra look both ways before I enter or cross traffic."

For more information about motorcycle safety and the courses offered on Dyess, call 7th Bomb Wing Safety at (325) 696-5598.

To learn more about the Dyess chapter of the Green Knights, logon to http://texasgreenknights.org/gk63/ or the international site at http://greenknightsmc.com/index.html.