Motorcycle Safety Published July 1, 2010 By Jim Moats 452 Safety Office MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- The hot dry weather is upon us and many of you may be getting the urge to go out and buy a motorcycle. Southern California has some of the most scenic highways to enjoy on our time off but our overcrowded freeways and streets can be challenging for two-wheelers. Our new 452nd Air Mobility Wing Commander, Col. Karl McGregor, has signed a new Commander's Policy Memo for motorcycle riders assigned to or visiting March Air Reserve Base. This guidance is derived directly from the Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4 and Air Force Instruction 91-207. Here are some of the important requirements we must follow: Initial Training. All military personnel at any time (on or off an Air Force installation); all Air Force civilian personnel (on an Air Force installation or off an installation in a duty status) who operate a motorcycle on a roadway; and all operators of government owned motorcycles are required to attend and complete an approved motorcycle operators education course. Contact the safety office for information on scheduling a course. PPE: The following minimum Personal Protective Equipment must be properly worn to access March ARB while operating a motorcycle: Head Protection: A helmet designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. Eye Protection: Goggles, wraparound glasses or a full-face shield (properly attached to helmet). Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves are required. Foot Protection: Riders will wear sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn). Sandals, low quarter sneakers and similar footwear will not be worn. Garment and Motorcycle Visibility: Motorcycle riders will wear a brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night. The outer upper garment shall be visible, not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized, if it has brightly colored/ reflective properties. 101 Days of Summer, week two update The first two weeks of the campaign have netted zero fatalities, on or off duty. A successful safety program is dependent on all of us, not just the commanders, safety office or supervisors. You can make a difference by incorporating risk management in all your on and off duty activities. Identify unsafe acts and conditions and take steps to eliminate the hazard before accidents happen. Use sound judgment in your off duty activities; know your limitations and refrain from high risk activities beyond your level of expertise. With your help we can protect our most valuable resource, our people.