Situational awareness key to motorcycle riding safety Published March 9, 2006 By Sue Clabby 60th AMW Safety TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Motorcycles are a great way to get to work these days when the cost of gasoline seems to be changing daily. Sky-high gas prices can certainly justify the increase in numbers of motorcycle riders; however, with the increased numbers of riders comes an unfortunate notable number of motorcycle injuries and fatalities. In fiscal 2005, there were six motorcycle fatalities Air Mobility Command-wide. The majority of these preventable fatalities were caused by human error which makes them more tragic and unacceptable. Excessive speed, operator proficiency and alcohol abuse were contributing elements found, if not in all, in some combination in all the fatalities reported command wide. Each one of these contributing factors alone can cause serious injury or death. When combined with a “bullet proof” attitude, which unfortunately is reflected in a lot of today’s riders, the outcome is almost always catastrophic. The good news is good safety attitudes coupled with increased motorcycle experience/skills can yield more riders equipped to enjoy riding at any level. Reviewing elements of risk management such as hazard identification, risk assessment and implementing risk controls as they apply to motorcycle operations can greatly improve the motorcycle rider’s riding experience. In an aggravated or distracted state of mind, you are much more likely to be involved in a crash. Being focused and ready for your ride mentally is a necessity. Mrs. Kelli Bonyeau, 60th Medical Group Family Advocacy treatment manager, has been riding for more than 25 years. She has never had major accident. Ms. Bonyeau stresses situational awareness while riding. “The biggest and most important thing I can stress about riding is to always and constantly be a defensive rider,” she said. “You have to be aware of your surroundings at all times and anticipate the actions of those around you.” Some examples of being a defensive rider are looking immediately in front of you, then three or four cars ahead of that person; watching at intersections for people running lights and stop signs; watching side streets for people entering the road you’re on; and scanning your side mirrors to see what’s happening behind you. Riding is demanding physically and mentally and your focus must be on the riding experience. Simply put, paying attention to risks involved in the whole motorcycle riding experience will deliver a good riding experience. Another part of being ready is knowing what the required maintenance is for your particular bike. Keeping your bike in tip-top shape is a good habit to get into and the age old saying holds true “you take care of your bike, it will take care of you.” Checking for leaks, adjusting your chain and suspension, and checking tire wear will help assure your bike is ready to go. Additionally, taking time to plan your activities or rides, along with knowing hazards along the way, helps to create a positive riding experience. Checking road maintenance schedules listed through the local chapter of California Highway Patrol will help you get an idea of what areas to avoid along your ride. Reviewing weather reports for your planned route is also a good idea; many a planned outing has been postponed or cancelled at the last minute due to an unforeseen change in the weather. Knowing the limitations of your skills is equally important. Often, new riders do not have the skills needed to respond to emergency situations and end up creating hazardous conditions or causing injury to themselves or other riders. Erring on the side of caution is still a good thing and it keeps the bike and rider in one piece. Another point adding to rider protection is wearing the proper protective gear. A DoT approved helmet, eye protection, or ¾ or full face visor, full fingered gloves, long sleeve shirt or jacket and brightly colored/contrasting upper garment for daytime and reflective material visible on all sides for night riding are the basic gear requirements. The most important ideas behind wearing motorcycle gear are to be seen from all angles and to provide protection for the bike rider. In essence, part of motorcycle protection begins with detection – making yourself visible to other motorists. Dark colored, non-contrasting riding gear often cannot be seen by motorists. Better phrased, motorists will not react to or acknowledge the motorcycle rider clothed in dark gear. There are pages of accidents reports filled with rider’s names who were not “seen” by motorists. Knowing you have properly prepared both yourself and your bike will surely add to a safer and more pleasurable bike ride.