Rev up and go with motorcycle training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tanisha Brown
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Motorcycles generally cost less to purchase, insure and fix than most cars, and they also get better gas mileage; however, motorcycles have been very costly when considering the lives lost while operating them.

According to the Air Force Safety Center, Kirkland Air Force Base, N.M., motorcycle fatalities have risen 150 percent from January 2011 to March 2011, compared to the same period last year.

"These losses are unacceptable for our Air Force," said Gen. Phillip Breedlove, Air Force vice chief of staff and Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics, in a dual-signature memorandum to Airmen.

Master Sgt. Kevin Casquarelli, 512th Airlift Wing ground and safety manager, attributes the majority of motorcycle mishaps to one of three causes: speeding, alcohol or inexperience.
The common factor between the previously listed causes is they are all preventable.

"When there's an accident, the first two questions we get here are: were they wearing a helmet and were they trained," said Casquarelli.

According to the Air Force's Motorcycle Safety Training Policy, all traditional reservists who are in a pay status or in transit to or from a pay status are required to attend a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course before operating a motorcycle. If the reservist is on extended orders, they are required to attend the course before operating the motorcycle on or off base for the duration of the orders.

There are several courses reservists can take.

The Basic Rider Course is tailored to novice riders and teaches basic operating and safety fundamentals, while the Experienced Rider Course is for more seasoned riders, said Casquarelli.

Additionally, all traditional reservists in the above pay statuses who own or operate a sport bike must complete a Sport Bike Proficiency Training in addition to the basic Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course.

"The great thing about the courses offered is that they have you doing things to prove you can actually operate a motorcycle, making it worthwhile," said Casquarelli.

Other perks include classes up to $50 are reimbursable; motorcycles are provided for the Basic Rider Course; and, all classes are offered on base for convenience.
Kevin Greene, 436th AW Civilian Chief of Ground Safety, who has taken all three courses, loves taking them, he said.

"The instructors are track-experienced," said Greene. "The small classes give the instructors the ability to give us one-on-one training and that's definitely a plus.

All classes are offered during motorcycle season, from March through October.

Along with mandatory training, the policy adds that all reservists in the previously mentioned statuses must wear an approved helmet and other required personal protective equipment required by AFI-91-207.

"You may be an experienced rider and have all of your training and certificates up to date, but sometimes you have to worry about the other people on the road," said Casquarelli.

At Dover Air Force Base, the motorcycle mishaps that have taken place this year have not been at the fault of the rider, said Casquarelli, which adds to the importance of personal protective equipment.

"Every reservist we have here is important to our mission, we don't want to lose anyone," said Casquarelli.

He offered these valuable tips for wing members:
- wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet with proper PPE,
- stay sober and well rested,
- adhere to traffic laws,
- check your motorcycle & equipment like you are pre-flighting a jet fighter,
- plan your rides, and
- continue learning and improving your rider skills.

For more information about riding a motorcycle on Dover AFB, call the 512th AW Safety Office at (302) 677-3812.

To view the 2011 course schedule visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website at https://citizen.dmv.de.gov/services/driver_services/driving_courses/dr_crs_mc_training.shtml.