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Major motorcycle safety event held at Pentagon
Posted 5/6/2009
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by Master Sgt. Stan Parker
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
5/6/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Senior leaders from the military services gathered together in the Pentagon parking lot May 1 to take part in a National Capital Region Joint Service Motorcycle Safety Event, designed to promote rider safety programs throughout the military.
The two-day event included motorcycle skills demonstrations, lectures on the proper use of safety equipment and a motorcycle rally. Event organizers had motorcycle simulators available for participants to test their riding skills and learn about critical decision making in various traffic scenarios such as inclement weather and increased vehicle volume.
Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero, Air Force chief of safety and commander of the Air Force Safety Center, spoke to participants and stressed smart riding through education and awareness of safety measures designed to prevent accidents or minimize injuries.
"We have a great opportunity here to address the motorcycle concerns of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. With the May 22 start of the 'Critical Days of Summer' campaign, this occasion is perfectly timed. This joint campaign will help us raise motorcycle safety awareness and increase rider knowledge, while advancing the effort to prevent motorcycle injuries and fatalities," he said.
The Air Force lost 15 Airmen to motorcycle mishaps in fiscal 2008 and nine Airmen have died in motorcycle mishaps so far in fiscal 2009.
"We must do everything within our power to prevent such loss of life," General Roggero stressed.
In an effort to increase education and training opportunities to help reduce motorcycle fatalities, Air Force safety officials have developed three new traffic safety courses: the Traffic Safety Program Management, Fundamentals of Collision Investigation and Motorcycle Traffic Safety Program Management. Each program is designed to address a specific safety issues including awareness, prevention and risk management.
Additionally, officials have taken additional steps to further emphasize the importance of hands-on training by testing and purchasing two motorcycle simulators and locating them at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. and Misawa Air Base, Japan.
Finally, riders can complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Military Sport Bike Course and the Air Mobility Command Sport Bike Course. Officials are working with the MSF to get the AMC Sport Bike Course certified, which will create more training opportunities for Airmen.
Senior leaders at the motorcycle safety event also highlighted the urgent need for leaders to take appropriate action to protect riders in their units.
"I am asking commanders and supervisors, at all levels, to double their efforts in promoting and teaching risk-management principles," General Roggero said. "I'm also asking each Airman to be a good wingman for your fellow warrior. Keeping our Airmen safe, healthy and alive is a top priority for the United States Air Force."
Army Maj. Gen. Richard Rowe, commander of the Air Operations Group for Joint Force Headquarters, echoed General Roggero's sentiments.
"I would ask all of you as leaders and motorcycle enthusiasts to practice behaviors that take care of our buddies, that promote safety, so that this great activity can be enjoyed by as many Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Civilians...and that they end their ride safely back with their families."
(Mr. Gary Brisbane contributed to this story)
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