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FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. (May 7, 2008) - According to the U.S. Army
Combat Readiness Safety Center, the Army lost 43 Soldiers to
motorcycle accidents in 2007. Four months into 2008 the Army has
already lost seven.
These numbers may rise as the weather gets warmer and the urge
to hit the open road heightens.
The U.S. Army Central sponsored its second annual Motorcycle
Safety Day April 25 to raise awareness of the dangers that exist
for riders.
"We held this class to get our motorcycle personnel more
educated and safety conscious," said Master Sgt. Darryl Tutt,
USARCENT Special Troops Battalion Safety Noncommissioned Officer in
Charge.
The class was designed to go above and beyond the normal
motorcycle safety course and ranged from new riders who have been
on a bike under six months to those who have been riding for 20
years, said Lt. Col. Greg McAfee, USARCENT STB commander.
"When a motorcycle goes down you don't have much room for
error," McAfee said. "We are doing as much as possible to ensure
Soldiers are properly educated and armed with the proper resources
to ride safely."
Throughout the day, participants were given instructions on road
safety, how to wear riding gear properly, and conducting Preventive
maintenance checks and services. They also heard from the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation on specific maneuvers and the warning
signs to look for to know when something is wrong with their
bike.
"Safety is a top priority at USARCENT. The number of motorcycle
riders has increased over the past year. We must enforce safety on
a daily basis. The more we educate our riders the more safety
conscious they become. This day will keep safety on Soldiers'
minds," said Tutt. "They are Soldiers both in and out of
uniform.... safety is one of the biggest factors in surviving both
on and off the battlefield."
Staff Sgt. Aaron Crawford, U.S. Army Central Headquarters and
Headquarters Company G3, NCOIC, has been riding for less than a
year. He enjoyed hearing Georgia State Police Senior Trooper Stacy
Forrest's stories about riders who have done things that are in
direct violation of the law and the results of bad decisions.
Forrest spoke about speed being a factor in most accidents and
the importance of being aware on the road.
For more experienced riders such as Sgt. 1st Class Christopher
Amos, STB S4, NCOIC, who has been riding for 20 years, the class
was an opportunity to share ideas and ask questions but also a
reminder not to become complacement.
"We are all Soldiers," Amos said. "You need to be able to
enforce safety as much as possible if you are a motorcycle rider
just as you would if you were getting ready to go to combat."
Command Sgt. Major Charles Holliday, STB command sergeant major,
emphasized the importance of Soldiers having the same discipline
while riding on a motorcycle as they are taught to have on a daily
basis in the Army.
"You can't put a time or a date on when you want to be a
professional," Holliday said. "You have to be a professional at all
times. Remember that you are too important to the family, the Army
family and your family. Take extra precautions to ensure that you
ride safe."
Tutt added that it will become second nature to perform pre
checks before riding, ensuring riders have on the proper PPE and
ensuring that they obey all rules and regulations of the road. "We
don't want another statistic."
In addition to the motorcycle safety day, USARCENT safety office
is instilling many things to ensure they are on the cutting edge of
safety awareness and education:
Certified Trainers: Soldiers will be able to be certified
through the motorcycle safety foundation's course so they can then
certify new riders.
Motorcycle simulator: USARCENT is looking into bringing in a
motorcycle simulator that will introduce riders to dangerous
situations and allow them to learn how they need to react.
Motorcycle mentorship program: A motorcycle mentorship program
is being formed to forge relationships between new riders and more
experienced riders
Group Rides: USARCENT is looking into bringing the military
community together for group rides. These rides will teach the
steps involved in preparing for and conducting a group ride while
emphasizing the importance of safety.
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