KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. –
Eleven Airmen have lost their lives in motorcycle mishaps this fiscal year. While some of this year's fatal motorcycle mishaps are still under investigation, one fact is readily apparent:
Of the eleven mishaps, seven were single vehicle mishaps. The other four mishaps involved a motorcycle striking another vehicle. Preliminary analysis shows all of these 11 riders failed to maintain control of their motorcycle. Preliminary investigations further indicate that none of these mishaps were caused by a four-wheel operator failing to see or account for a motorcyclist.
Some interesting nationwide motorcycle safety statistics and information was gathered from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which pertains to the general U.S. populace:
· Deaths of cyclists have skyrocketed during the past decade while deaths have decreased among passenger vehicle operators.
· Motorcyclist deaths have more than doubled since 1997, and in 2005 accounted for 10 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths, up from 5 percent in 1997.
· In 2005, a total of 4,439 motorcyclists died in crashes, up 14 percent from the 3,904 in 2004.
· The typical motorcycle rider is 41 years old, according to the latest survey of owners conducted by the Motorcycle Industry Council, a nonprofit trade group based in Irvine, Calif.
· The number of deaths on motorcycles was about 34 times the number in cars per mile traveled in 2005.
· Seventy-one percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2005 occurred during May through October. Fatalities peaked during July through September and were lowest during December through February.
· Fifty-nine percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2005 occurred Friday through Sunday.
A close study of the IIHS data reflects problems in the general populace. These are: failure to wear helmets, unlicensed riders and a large number of individuals riding under the influence.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses teach both basic and experienced riders the necessary skills to safely operate a motorcycle. However, today's popular high-performance motorcycles can reach illegal or inappropriate speeds in a matter of seconds. This performance often leads individuals into harmful situations.
Another area of concern is the growing number of older motorcyclists. Often times, safety briefings focus on the younger troops. In regards to motorcycling, people need to ensure they identify all motorcyclists and ensure briefings and mentorship include everyone. Age does not necessarily always equate to experience. The average age of motorcyclists involved in fatal mishaps this fiscal year was 28.7 years old.
What can Airmen do to reduce the possibility of motorcycle mishaps?
· Strongly emphasize personal responsibility and risk management. Many Airmen who were fatally injured were licensed, trained and wearing proper personal protective equipment when they lost control of the motorcycle. Motorcyclists need to exercise restraint while riding on public roadways. This restraint comes from within, although proper mentorship and leadership emphasis can help.
· Continue with aggressive motorcycle safety training.
· Squadron commanders should identify and monitor unit motorcyclists.
· Increase motorcycle safety mentorship for both inexperienced and experienced riders, regardless of age or rank.