Motorcycle Safety starts with you Published May 1, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Amber Russell 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The season begins again with warmer weather and blue skies, catching the attention of beach-goers, picnickers and most of all, motorcyclists. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation website, www.msf-usa.org, states "don't forget, driving is a privilege, not a right" and motorcyclists must take several safety precautions to keep this privilege. For individuals on base, off base and even in the states- taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe ride is a simple checklist of tasks. Air Force Instruction 91-207 lists required items for military members: -Head protection. Motorcyclists must wear helmets that meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards. Also, the AFI states that, "host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds the DOT standard." This means that the ECE 22.05 helmet (in European countries) will meet the DOT standard, according to webbikeworld.com. -Eye protection. "Goggles, wrap around glasses, or a full-face shield designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance will be worn." -Protective clothing. "Wear of long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves are required." This is to include sturdy "footwear" that reaches above the ankle for more protection. A reflective vest or upper garment must also be worn during the night. A backpack may be worn, but only if it has "brightly colored or reflective properties." "The roads here, in Turkey, are extremely slick," said Tech. Sgt. Russell Cooper, 39th Air Base Wing non-commissioned officer in charge, inspections. "Motorcycles have less traction than cars and trucks. It's much easier to lose control. That's why wearing PPE gear can prevent a serious injury." Though in the Air Force, such protection is required, even in civilian life, settling for less just isn't worth the risk. A motorcyclist must also keep in mind that they may be the safest rider out there, but just like driving in actual vehicles, we must be vigilant of other drivers as well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 75 percent of motorcycle accidents and fatalities included the motorist and a passenger vehicle. Everyone is susceptible to potential accidents and injuries. There are dangers of the road that include an individual's overconfidence and the fact that other vehicles may have difficulty in seeing motorcyclists due to their smaller size. The visibility of motorcycles is a critical factor in multiple vehicle accidents as NHTSA points out with their statistics. Accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps and the wearing of high visibility gear. "The traffic in Turkey is much different than Americans are used to," added Sergeant Cooper. "There are many accidents here due to unexpected turns and excessive speed limits. Motorcyclists need to be extremely vigilant while out on the roads of Turkey." Precautions for riding motorcycles are not taken lightly. That feeling of the wind blowing through your hair isn't represented with good images anymore. Wearing a helmet and PPE with high visibility, and keeping an eye on your surroundings will keep a rider as safe as possible. So, keep your motorcycle's manual on hand, have a list of emergency numbers and a good memory of the AFI and you can enjoy smooth travels throughout Turkey all summer long. For more information refer to AFI 91-207 or contact Safety at 676-7233 for more information motorcycle safety.