Fort Bliss Monitor

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month – ride safely

Trichard Breslin
Garrison Safety Officer

Each year, May is designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. States and motorcycle organizations across the country conduct a variety of activities to promote the importance of motorist awareness and sharing the road with motorcyclists. Motorist awareness is an important component of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s comprehensive motorcycle safety program. Over two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash. It is important for motorists to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists.

In Fiscal Year 2005, the Army has already lost 22 Soldiers due to motorcycle accidents before May had even begun. Six of these occurred in April. These fatalities are occurring as a result of many different causes. Speed, alcohol and lack of wearing the proper personal protective equipment have all played roles in a number of these accidents. There have also been instances where the lack of visibility of the motorcyclist has lead to the fatal accident.

Some measures that can be taken to ensure safety while operating these vehicles include: placing reflective materials on the motorcycle; ensuring the headlight is on both day and night; driving sober, with plenty of rest, controlling speed and allowing plenty of time to reach the destination; being alert to weather, road and traffic conditions; ensuring the vehicle is in good maintenance; and ensuring the driver is completely familiar with the motorcycle’s controls without having to look for them.

Army Regulation states that personal protective equipment is worn both on and off duty regardless of what the state laws are. This equipment in-cludes Department of Transportation approved helmets, goggles or helmet face shield, long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes and a reflective vest. It is also a requirement that Soldiers complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved defensive driving course before operating their motorcycle on or off post. This course is offered through the Installation Safety Office at no charge to the Soldier.

For information, call Ernesto Bautista at 568-7772 or 568-2510, Bldg. 516-B, 2nd Floor, Room 203.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	May 5 , 2005

	May is Motorcycle Awareness Month – ride safely Trichard Breslin Garrison Safety Officer Each year, May is designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. States and motorcycle organizations across the country conduct a variety of activities to promote the importance of motorist awareness and sharing the road with motorcyclists. Motorist awareness is an important component of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s comprehensive motorcycle safety program. Over two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash. It is important for motorists to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists. In Fiscal Year 2005, the Army has already lost 22 Soldiers due to motorcycle accidents before May had even begun. Six of these occurred in April. These fatalities are occurring as a result of many different causes. Speed, alcohol and lack of wearing the proper personal protective equipment have all played roles in a number of these accidents. There have also been instances where the lack of visibility of the motorcyclist has lead to the fatal accident. Some measures that can be taken to ensure safety while operating these vehicles include: placing reflective materials on the motorcycle; ensuring the headlight is on both day and night; driving sober, with plenty of rest, controlling speed and allowing plenty of time to reach the destination; being alert to weather, road and traffic conditions; ensuring the vehicle is in good maintenance; and ensuring the driver is completely familiar with the motorcycle’s controls without having to look for them. Army Regulation states that personal protective equipment is worn both on and off duty regardless of what the state laws are. This equipment in-cludes Department of Transportation approved helmets, goggles or helmet face shield, long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes and a reflective vest. It is also a requirement that Soldiers complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved defensive driving course before operating their motorcycle on or off post. This course is offered through the Installation Safety Office at no charge to the Soldier. For information, call Ernesto Bautista at 568-7772 or 568-2510, Bldg. 516-B, 2nd Floor, Room 203.