Page 11 - Desert Lightning News 8-14-15

Desert Lightning News August 14, 2015 11

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Keep motorcycle riding fun – keep it safe

Senior Airman Grace Lee

56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona -- Many motorcyclists dream of rid- Senior Airman Daniel Keum, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal techni-
ing during the summer, but without the right training it can quickly turn cian and Luke motorcycle safety instructor, demonstrates cornering July 28 at the Luke Air Force
into a nightmare. Base motorcycle riding range. Practicing proper cornering can help with negotiating real-life
turns and helps keep the rider safe.
“The cause of most motorcycle injuries we see are caused by lack of dis-
cipline,” said Staff Sgt. Jason De Jesus, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety tential for rain, pack a rain suit.”
technician. “Military riders receive more training and are required to ob- During the winter, Seabury advises dressing appropriately with layers of
serve higher standards than state law requires.
clothing and in the summer proper hydration is essential.
Riders are trained to wear personal protective equipment, are given skills “If I know I will be riding in hot weather, four or five days in advance I
to prepare them for riding, and then receive refresher training to keep skills
sharp, but when we respond to motorcycle mishaps, usually we find the start to hydrate as much as I can,” Seabury said. “Then once I get out there
person was undisciplined and chose to not follow the PPE requirements, and start riding, a good rule of thumb is to drink a bottle of water during
laws or training they received.” every stop. That will help you from getting dehydrated. Another thing you
can do is wear a CamelBak or hydration pack so you can drink as you ride.”
Most motorcycle accidents are preventable, and the usual factor is speed.
“The most common accident is usually in a turn with a motorist who Active-duty personnel who ride a motorcycle are required to take a Ba-
hasn’t followed the proper steps of slowing the bike, turning the head to sic Rider’s Course prior to riding.
look where the bike is headed, pressing firm on the handle bar and stabi-
lizing the speed,” said Brian Seabury, 56th FW Ground Safety motorcycle “The Basic Rider’s Course is free to active-duty, Defense Department
training manager. civilians, retirees and dependents. In the class, first-time riders learn the
“Practicing these steps will help ensure successful turns. The problem mechanics of the bike, basic riding and cornering techniques, proper brak-
often occurs when a rider is going too fast into the turn and panics instead ing techniques, how to find the friction zone, how to change gears, and
of practicing what he’s learned.” more,” Seabury said.
Intersections can be a dangerous place for riders.
“In Arizona, accidents frequently happen in the left-hand turn areas of “If you know you’re going to be riding, you can sign up for the course
intersections, where the incoming vehicle turns left in front of the motor- through your unit’s motorcycle representative or call the Luke Air Force
ist,” Seabury said. “To stay safe, I recommend riders always be aware of Base safety office at 623-856-6104.”
their surroundings and to look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what
the other vehicle is going to do. Another thing riders can do to help them- To stay safe while riding, the following riding gear is recommended:
selves is be as visible as possible to other traffic.” Department of Transportation approved full-face helmet
Riding safely and effectively takes time and experience. Over-the-ankle riding boots, preferably leather for optimal protection
“The most common mistake I see new riders make is overestimating Full-fingered gloves for padding
their abilities,” Seabury said. “New riders may think just because they took Riding jacket with built-in armored protection
the riding course they know how to ride, when that’s not the case. What the Riding pants with protection
course does is give riders the basic mechanics and techniques they need to
know to ride, but it’s really on the riders to go out and practice to improve
their riding skills.”
While having the riding knowledge and skill is important, it is also es-
sential to wear proper riding gear.
“There’s a website called ‘Rock the Gear,’ created by a young lady named
Brittany Morrow, who was in a serious motorcycle incident,” Seabury said.
“At the time of her accident, she was wearing capri jeans, tennis shoes, a
sweatshirt and a helmet. She was the passenger of a motorcycle that was
going 120 miles per hour on the highway when she fell off the bike and slid
522 feet down the highway. As a result, her body was skinned up raw from
her arm pit to under her ankle, and required skin grafts for more than 50
percent of her body. That is why she promotes wearing the gear.”
Riders should always do a quick inspection of the bike before riding.
“You don’t want to go on a ride without having made sure the bike is
in good condition,” Seabury said. “Some questions to ask are, ‘Is the chain
properly adjusted? Does the motor have oil in it? Is it gassed up, and are the
tires good with enough air?’”
Riders can ride in almost any weather as long as they are well equipped.
“Of course, don’t ride in a monsoon and blizzards are to be avoided, but
I’ve ridden whether it was dry, hot out, or raining, and I don’t find a major
effect on my riding in any of those weather conditions,” Seabury said. “You
just need to be prepared and plan your day accordingly. You need to know
where you’re going, what the weather is going to be like and if there is po-