Spring brings rain, warmer weather, serious motorcycle safety concerns

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AFB, Fla. --  April brings spring rain, blooming flowers and chirping birdies, in an annual ritual of life renewed. It also brings death for Airmen who ride motorcycles.

The caution is going out from the Air Force and the 6th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office, which is looking to raise awareness ahead of the eight-week period starting April 1 that marks the most dangerous for motorcycle accidents, according to Air Force statistics. Last year, eight fatal motorcycle accidents, some 57 percent of fatalities for the period.

The motorcycle riding season fires up in March, according to Lt. Col. Jason Wolf, flight chief of wing safety, and March kicks off an Air Force spring safety focus that leads into the annual Critical Days of Summer safety campaign. Spring and summer are critical, as the warmer weather means a higher level of outdoor activities, such as boating, biking and sports that pose a higher safety risk.

Of all areas of concern, none is greater than motorcycle safety, said Col. Wolf. All riders are encouraged to take a spring refresher course to sharpen riding skills and safety. The base works in conjunction with Hillsborough Community College to run a monthly motorcycle safety course, though the March course is full, but those interested can sign up for the April course by contacting the safety office at 828-3385.

Motorcycle safety concerns are so high, each squadron on base has a designated motorcycle safety representative. Their job is to be aware of all motorcycle riders in their unit, and to make sure they have received adequate training and briefings on safety issues they face. Base leadership also is involved, with NCO's and officers staying aware of who rides, and also reminding drivers of all vehicles to be aware of the smaller, harder to see motorcyclist with whom they share the road.

For drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, "Look twice, and don't be a crash hazard," advises Col. Wolf.

As a sobering reminder of the dangers motorcyclist face, a MacDill Airman who separated from the force Jan. 26, died in a bike crash Feb. 5 in Georgia - in just his second week as a civilian.

"It's dangerous out there for (motorcycle) riders," said Don Washington, wing safety. "They have to be more alert and aware."