2014 Motorcycle Season information Published May 22, 2014 By Technical Sgt. Roger Butler 55th Wing Safety OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, exciting, fun and carefree, but without the proper training, mentorship and personal protective equipment, it can also be deadly. The 55th Wing Safety Office reminds all military members and Air Force civilians who intend to ride a motorcycle that they must have the required training and PPE to ensure safe riding and to comply with the following Air Force Instructions: AFI 91-207, the Air Force Traffic Safety Program as well as Offutt AFB Instruction 31-116, Motor Vehicle Supervision. According to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center's December 2014 Claims Journal, motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among military service members outside of war. Motorcycle accidents make up a large proportion of those fatalities. Just as with civilians, the number of motor-vehicle-accident deaths as a whole has declined substantially among service members since about 2005. Unfortunately, motorcycle-related fatalities have been skyrocketing. "More than half of the 16 airmen killed while off duty last summer died in motorcycle crashes," said Keith Wright from the Air Force Safety Center. To better prepare the members of Team Offutt for the motorcycle riding season, there are a variety of training opportunities in Omaha and on Offutt. There are more classes available on Offutt than at most military installations. Offutt offers the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic Riders Course, Basic Riders Course 2, Advanced Rider Course and the Military Sport Bike Course. All classes are taught by MSF-certified rider coaches and as an additional benefit, the BRC and BRC2 are license-waiver classes. A license-waiver class means that if you take your MSF completion card to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, they will put a motorcycle endorsement on your Nebraska license and you may be eligible for a discount from your motorcycle insurance company. If you have an MSF completion card from a Nebraska certified rider coach, you will not be required to take the written or road test at the DMV. There is no charge for Offutt military personnel taking the training on Offutt. Civilians are offered the course for a $189 fee. There is no reimbursement for training taken off base. Below are the PPE requirements that pertain to all members of Team Offutt regardless of status while on base, as well as all military members at all times on or off-base. 1. Helmet: A helmet that's designed to meet or exceed Department of Transportation standards shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. 2. Eye protection: Goggles, wrap around glasses or a full-face shield properly attached to a helmet designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact and shatter resistance will be worn. A windshield doesn't constitute proper eye protection. 3. 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. Outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered. Wearing a backpack is authorized if it's brightly colored. At night, a backpack must have reflective properties if worn while riding. 4. Protective clothing: The wear of a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves is required. Gloves should be sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Wear of a motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar or Cordura containing impact-absorbing padding is strongly encouraged. 5. 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; however, sandals, low-quarter sneakers and similar footwear will not be worn. All motorists should also remember that motorcycle operators have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the road. Motorists should be extra cautious when near motorcycles on roadways. Motorcycles, because of their much smaller profile, may be difficult to see. This can make it more difficult to judge the speed of a motorcycle or the distance of an approaching motorcycle. For more information about Offutt's motorcycle safety classes or general safety concerns, please call the 55th Wing Safety Office at 294-6357.