Responsible riding

Coast Guard Magazine, March-April, 2008 by T.J. Miles, Ryan Doss

Motorcycle fatalities have increased 127 percent since 1997 and have passed pedestrian fatalities for the first time since 1975, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This increase in deaths has brought motorcycle safety to the forefront of the Coast Guard's "Don't Let Your Guard Down" motor vehicle safety campaign.

Many people forget how vulnerable they are on a motorcycle with only two-wheels and their wits protecting them from other motorists as opposed to in a car where they are surrounded by an enclosure equipped with air bags.

In a car, you tend to look a few car lengths ahead. On a motorcycle you have to look a mile ahead. You have to constantly remain aware of everything around you, said YN2 John Farrell.

"You have to constantly be thinking of escape routes such as, Can I pull off to the shoulder here? Do I try and pass this guy or slow down?' Riders have to give their full concentration to what's going on around them at all times," said Farrell. There are steps that riders can take to prepare for the unknowns that lie ahead and there are certain requirements that Coasties must adhere to. Chapter 10 of the Safety and Environmental Health Manual, COMDTINST M5100.47 outlines these requirements.

There have been many technological advances in protective gear and there are many different styles to choose from. It is recommended that motorcyclists try on gear at a retailer to find the perfect fit before looking for deals online.

The motorcycle itself must have rear-view mirrors and the operator must have the headlights turned on at all times, unless prohibited by law.

Coast Guard personnel are required to complete a safety-training course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or a similar course approved by a state or the Department of Defense.

Motorcyclists must also have a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement where required by law. This endorsement is required while operating a motorcycle on all Coast Guard and DOD facilities.

"Make sure to take the class. I thought I knew a lot, but you actually learn a lot more," said Farrell. "In the class we were told, 'the proper training and being prepared will make the difference between a minor and serious accident.' I didn't believe this until it happened to me. There are two types of riders, those who have had accidents and those who will."

According to the NHTSA's Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Crashes for 2006, there were 4,810 motorcycle fatalities with 1,901 of them alcohol related. There were also approximately 88,000 motorcyclists injured.

RELATED ARTICLE: Required Equipment

* DOT or Snell-approved helmet worn with chinstrap properly fastened.

* Proper eye protection must be worn at all times. The material of the eye protection should be impact and shatter resistant. A helmet with a built-in, full-face shield is also considered sufficient protection.

* Sturdy footwear that covers the ankles must be worn at all times by riders.

* Full-fingered safety gloves should be worn to protect the rider's hands.

* Long-legged pants should be worn to protect the rider's legs from burns and to minimize injury in the event of an accident.

* A long sleeve shirt or jacket must be worn.

* Bright-colored or white upper garments should be worn in the daytime.

* High visibility reflective or retro-reflective vests, harnesses, or strips of such should be worn at night or in periods of low visibility. Retro-reflective vests or harness are required to be worn at all times while on DOD facilities.

* Additional padding or guarding for off-road activity must be worn when appropriate.

Story By HSC T.J. Miles, 8th Dist. and PA2 Ryan Doss, 7th Dist.