Maxwell observes motorcycle safety month in May Published April 30, 2010 By Carl Bergquist Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The month of May is Motorcycle Safety Month, and during that time the Air Force is asking everyone to recognize the recent loss of Airmen due to private motor vehicle accidents, said the 42nd Air Base Wing deputy director of safety. Mark Garner said motorcycle accidents kill far too many Airmen and are more often the fault of automobile drivers than motorcyclists. He emphasizes the importance of "see and be seen" when riding a motorcycle. Three recent cases involving Airmen killed in motorcycle wrecks were: · April 10 - An Airman operating a motorcycle was struck by a car that was entering the highway from the wrong direction. · April 3 - An Airman operating a motorcycle crossed into oncoming traffic, lost control and was ejected from the motorcycle. · April 14 - An Airman operating a motorcycle struck a pickup truck that crossed into its path. "For motorcyclists, these examples illustrate how easily an accident can occur. In addition to 'see and be seen,' wear the proper protection equipment, such as helmets, gloves and leather jackets, and get as much training as possible," Mr. Garner said. "The safety office offers both beginner and experienced riders training courses that all active duty members are required to attend if they are going to ride a motorcycle on or off duty. Civilian riders are highly encouraged to also take part in this training." Mr. Garner said the search, evaluate and execute, or SEE, strategy can help both motorcyclists and motorists avoid accidents that can result in fatalities. He said this strategy makes use of a person's visual, cognitive and motor skills when riding a motorcycle or driving a car. "The Air Force, the National Safety Council, the National Highway Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies are all pushing information out to the public to help heighten awareness about motor vehicle fatalities in an effort to reduce them," he said. "Motorcycles tend to be harder to see in traffic, so riders have to be especially aware of their surroundings and what other drivers are doing." Mr. Garner said the Air Force is putting special emphasis on the "spring spike," or a time when more accidents traditionally happen. He said this applies to all motor vehicles, but the focus this year is on motorcycles. "The training gives a rider the basic skills needed to operate a motorcycle safely, but if you are a new rider, it's best not to jump straight into heavy traffic. Ride in parking lots or in your neighborhood first to get a feel for the bike," he said. "I'm a base motorcycle course instructor, and I always have past students come up to me and say, 'I remembered what you taught me, and that got me out of what could have been a bad accident.'" Mr. Garner said to date in fiscal year 2010, six Airmen have lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. He cautioned that with the weather getting warmer and gas prices on the rise, more motorcycles will be on the roads, so drivers need to be more cautious. To enroll in one of the base motorcycle training courses, call the 42nd Air Base Wing Safety Office at 953-2001.