YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- According to the Air Force Safety Center, in fiscal year 2010 the Air Force lost 12 Airmen to off-duty, two-wheeled private motor vehicle accidents. These fatalities were due to reckless behavior and excessive speeds.
As part of the Air Force Critical Days of Summer safety campaign, members are reminded that safety checks at Yokota is "never a bad idea."
"Personal responsibility for one's own safety is critical; nobody will look out for your safety more than you," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Scott, 374th Airlift Wing ground safety technician. "When discussing safety in the traffic environment, especially with motorcycles, the best thing a rider can do is to ride defensively."
"While a 'lucky' few are able to walk away from a motorcycle accident, much more frequently the consequences of even a 'minor' crash are likely to put a rider in the emergency room, or worse," added Sergeant Scott.
Before riders can operate a motorcycle there are certain requirements they must meet.
Requirements to operate a motor vehicle in Japan are covered in the United States Forces Japan Instruction 31-205, Motor Vehicle Operations and Traffic Supervision.
It states no person covered by the Status of Forces Agreement can operate a motor vehicle in Japan without having been issued a USFJ 4EJ license with the appropriate endorsements. In order to receive motorcycle endorsement, a candidate must successfully complete motorcycle safety training.
Whether members are just starting to think about purchasing a motorcycle for the first time or are a seasoned motorcycle veteran, safety is always a primary concern and a riding course is mandatory in order to operate a motorcycle for those covered by the SOFA.
Individual interested in finding out more information on motorcycle safety courses should contact their unit safety representative.
Although motorcycle training courses are not offered here at Yokota, personnel (military, civilian, and dependents) are eligible to attend motorcycle safety training at Yokohama North Dock, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu, Japan.
The Yokohama North Dock offers two programs that satisfy current Air Force requirements for motorcycle operation.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course is a two-day training course required for all first-time riders and the Experienced Rider Course is a one-day class for currently trained riders who want to increase their skill set and knowledge.
Pacific Air Forces requires riders to take a refresher course every three years, and the ERC satisfies that requirement.
Just like a four-wheeled motor vehicle, there are certain precautions that a driver must take to be safe.
All motorcyclists are required to wear personal protective equipment at all times while operating their motorcycle, whether on or off-base
The five required PPE items that are enforceable upon all persons at any time on an Air Force installation are:
- Head protection consisting of a helmet designed to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation standards. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds the DOT standard.
- Foot protection consisting of sturdy over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.
- Eye protection consisting of goggles, wrap around glasses, or a full-face shield.
- Protective clothing including full finger gloves, long sleeve shirt/jacket, and long trousers.
- Wear reflective vests, jacket, or outer garment with reflective material regardless of the time of day.
For more information, refer to Air Force Instruction 91-207, The US Air Force Traffic Safety Program; para. 3.4.2.4.
"Motorcycles are safe, as long as you remember they can also be dangerous. Every ride is a challenge; it's just a matter of risk management," said Sergeant Scott.
A simple reminder that motorcyclists learn during their training course is to Search, Evaluate and Execute (S.E.E.).
Search means to actively scan and identify factors that could create increased risk; Evaluate means to consider potential problems arising from the interaction of those factors; and Execute refers to the physical motor skills used to prevent or avoid the resulting hazards.
"It cannot be overemphasized how important it is to remember there are risks and to continuously look for them. Just remember the basics and I will S.E.E. you on the road," he added.
During the spring and summer, there are limitless opportunities for motorcycle riders to safely explore Japan along the coast or out in the mountains. Local motorcycle community information can be found at www.yokotamc.org.