Motorcycle training now mandatory for Sailors in Europe - Around the Fleet

All Hands, Nov, 2002 by Cindy Gill

Sailors, civilians and their family members in Europe who travel by motorcycle are now required to complete a safety course prior to registering and riding their bikes.

For those who have already taken the course, a change of duty station will mean a mandatory refresher course.

"In the last three years, there have been 16 fatal motor vehicle accidents within the NAVEUR Theater, of which 35 percent involved motorcycles," said NAVEUR Public Safety Director Jim Walter.

Walter said the numbers are alarming, and the first line of defense is training geared specifically to the countries where the Sailor is based. The U.S. Navy Motorcycle Safety Foundation course provides the curriculum for certification.

It was determined that a change to NAVEUR policy was needed to better educate Sailors who choose to ride motorcycles. According to Walters, the entire NAVEUR Traffic Safety Program is under review.

"We are customizing the Traffic Safety Program to fit our needs in Europe, and hopefully to protect our Sailors," said Walter.

After reviewing the NAVEUR accident reports, it was apparent that similarities existed in the majority of the accidents. Motorcycle accident victims had not attended safety training in Europe, and personal protective equipment was not worn or was not worn properly.

According to the accident reports injuries sustained in non-fatal accidents included broken bones, memory loss, leg amputation and paralysis.

The review has prompted the requirement of adding the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) basic and refresher courses to the program.

"Riding, even driving in Europe is a distinctly different experience than in the United States' said Walter. "Traffic moves faster on some European roads, slow moving vehicles are mixed in with traffic moving at a very fast pace, traffic signs and lights are not always obeyed, merging is conducted at closer tolerances, etc."

Walter said traffic safety is a challenge to control beyond the front gate at foreign duty stations. Here in Europe, public safety controls out in town aren't what Americans are accustomed to he explained.

Different cultures throughout Europe have different attitudes toward things like helmets and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

All U.S. Navy personnel in Europe are affected by the policy changes, and are obligated to comply with the requirements, whether on base or not, on duty or not.

Mandatory PPE include helmets that meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation standards, impact/shatter resistance eyewear or helmet shield. Clothing includes long sleeve shirt or jacket and full leg trousers. Full finger gloves and sturdy boots or over the ankle footwear round out the basic attire to enjoy the wind on the road.

Cyclists can be hard for motorists to see. The last item of PPE is a brightly colored reflective vest. In daylight the bright color stands out attracting attention to the rider, and at night, the reflective material makes a nearly invisible rider more visible.

While based in Europe, the list of things to see and experience can be daunting. Touring by motorcycle can be a fun way to experience other cultures. See the county, but be safe as well.

For more news from Naval Forces Europe, go to their Navy NewsStand Web page at www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur.>

COPYRIGHT 2002 U.S. Navy

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