Ride safely... ride smartly...

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With the Critical Days of Summer campaign in full swing, motorcycle and driving safety is a major focus throughout the Air Force.

Every year families are devastated because of loved ones who die in motorcycle accidents.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers on our roads. There were 1,390 motorcycle fatalities due to alcohol impaired drivers in 2012.

"Driving drunk is illegal and punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice," said Staff Sgt. Zachary Northcutt, 7th Bomb Wing ground safety office. "Despite knowing the facts about how alcohol works, you might still be convinced that you can ride as well or better after having a few drinks compared to when you're sober. No one is immune to the effects of alcohol."

Riding motorcycles takes coordination, balance and more importantly, good judgment, said Northcutt. Alcohol, more than any other single factor, limits your ability to think clearly and ride safely.

According to the NHSTA, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2012. In over two-thirds of fatal vehicle-motorcycle crashes, the vehicle struck the front of the motorcycle while turning left or the driver didn't see the motorcyclist or didn't see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash.

"Too many riders still choose to drink and ride," said Northcutt. "Statistics show that nearly a third of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater - the legal limit in most states."

A vehicle by itself isn't inherently dangerous. Once drivers get behind the wheel, accidents can happen and some can end in fatalities. Drivers can limit their chances of being a part of an accident by taking an extra step to drive safely, Northcutt said.

"Look twice, save a life. Two-wheeled riders should also think about the next time they are in a left-hand curve," Northcutt said. "They should also be on the lookout for loose gravel and remember to slow down."


To ensure they are road ready, Airmen should follow these riding tips:


-Get trained and obtain a motorcycle operator license

-Wear Department of Transportation compliant helmets and other protective gear
-Stay visible

-Ride alert and unimpaired by alcohol or drugs

-Ride within your limits


Motorists should follow these tips to ensure safe and alert driving when sharing the road with motorcyclists:


-Never drive while distracted

-Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Do not share the lane

-Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic

-A motorcyclist can be hidden in a vehicle's blind spot so remember to look twice before pulling out

-Allow more following distance - four to five seconds


"We want everyone to have a safe summer and our motorcyclists deserve to be looked out for so they can have one too," Northcutt said.

For more information on how to maintain safety during the critical days of summer, call the Dyess safety office at (325) 696-5574.