Ramstein Safety Office hosts Annual Pre-Season Motorcycle Safety Brief

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J. Smith
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Airlift Wing Safety Office held the annual pre-season motorcycle safety brief for motorcyclists at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 15, 2019.

The briefing covered safety precautions, German road laws, proper protective gear to wear while riding, and testimonies from guest speakers.

“Riders should practice both mental and physical riding skills to be successful out on the road,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Henrie Young, occupational safety representative. “The mental part of riding is actually more important than the physical aspect in many ways. Being able to identify a hazard before it becomes a problem is one of the keys to safe riding.”

After discussing mental awareness, physical capabilities were addressed.

“The physical part of riding is important as well, because motor skills diminish without practice,” said Young. “Practicing life-saving maneuvers like braking and swerving in a safe environment, like a vacant parking lot, can be invaluable [later on] in an emergency situation.”

Protective gear was also a topic of discussion. Personal protective gear includes a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and ankle covering shoes or boots, as well as Department of Transportation, Snell Memorial Foundation, or Economic Community of Europe helmets.

Mental and physical readiness, along with protective gear, are all important elements of motorcycle safety.

“Motorcycle safety is important because the inherent risk involved in riding a motorcycle is much higher than driving in your average car,” said Young. “You are exposed to the elements, are much smaller than vehicles around you, and unfortunately are something vehicle operators may not notice until the last minute.”

Active duty servicemembers who possess a valid motorcycle license and personally own a motorcycle, are eligible to participate in future trainings. Civilian personnel along with eligible dependents are also able to participate in the training on a space available basis.
For more information about future trainings please call the 86th Airlift Wing safety office at 06371-47-7233.