Motorcycle training reduces Offutt member's crash injuries

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Six broken ribs and a twisted ankle doesn't sound like a lucky day for any motorcyclist. Soft tissue damage in a shoulder adds to the pain of a recent crash. 

However, 2nd Lt. Jeffrey E. Turner, an RC-135 navigator with the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron here, said that these injuries are marks of his successful motorcycle training. 

Lieutenant Turner was riding his motorcycle behind of a pack of cyclists on I-680 North May 5. As they exited the highway, he realized he had fallen out of position. His turn would be too wide for the narrow roadway. 

"I knew I only had seconds to act," said the lieutenant. "I had to follow my training."
Lieutenant Turner refers to the training he received with Offutt's basic riding course. He completed the course 2 years ago, when he first started riding a motorcycle. 

Instead of continuing the turn and possibly hitting the guardrail, Lieutenant Turner maintained his composure and straightened out his bike. Aiming away from obstacles, he slowed down as much as he could. 

The motorcycle entered a dirt ditch next to the road and he was ejected over the handlebars. His ankles twisted as he tumbled across the ground. His shoulder wrenched as it pounded into the turf violently. 

In the last 3 years, Offutt personnel have been involved in 20 motorcycle mishaps, none of which have been fatal, said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hill, a ground safety technician with the 55th Wing Safety Office here. 

Lieutenant Turner claims the skills he learned from the BRC saved his body from far worse damage. 

The three-day course contains both classroom and hands-on roadway instruction, said Sergeant Hill. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for use during the course, but students should wear additional protective equipment, he said. 

"I'm a big proponent of safety gear," said Lieutenant Turner. "Somebody has proven in blood that this equipment is necessary." 

Lieutenant Turner said he was wearing a full set of protective equipment during his incident. The long-sleeved jacket and pants he was wearing protected his body from scratches and minor bumps. His sturdy-ankle shoes protected his ankles and feet from major injury, such as broken bones. 

"You should see my helmet," he said. "The wreck put a couple of big scrapes in it, which could have been some chunks out of my skull." 

The safety course is mandatory for all military members and contains valuable information for first-time riders, said Lieutenant Turner. 

Sergeant Hill recommends active cyclists continue with the advanced riding courses offered through the safety office. He said he usually recommends one year of experience before one enrolls in the course. 

Lieutenant Turner has returned to work, and is currently recovering from his injuries. Though anxious about another crash, he said he is not hesitant to return to riding. 

"It's all about good judgment," said the lieutenant. "Be prepared to act every time you ride."