KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --
The Department of the Air Force is kicking off the third annual Spring PMV-2 Focus March 21, with the goal of reaching all military motorcycle riders. Efforts will concentrate on updating rider information in the Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool, including validation that training requirements are being met and ensuring all riders schedule and attend overdue training.
From novice to seasoned motorcycle rider, proper training can make a difference in the rider's life and overall safety of others. Riding a motorcycle is an inherently dangerous activity; however, the risks can be mitigated with preparation and awareness. The Department of the Air Force has recognized that the implementation of training based on a lifelong learning approach for its more than 23,000 motorcycle riders can, and does, work.
"In fiscal year 2020, overall Class A-D motorcycle mishaps were down 20% compared to the five-year average," said Master Sgt. Sarah Lenker, Air Force Safety Center Reports and Analysis Branch. "However, Class As were up by 30% in FY20, resulting in 14 fatalities compared to the average of 10 per year over the last five years."
"We believe the increased trend in PMV-2 mishaps is related to several factors," said David Brandt, Air Force motorcycle program manager. "Shutdowns and course closures during the pandemic have made training less readily available this past year, and the outreach to riders hasn't been as effective."
"We are seeing an upward trend in mishaps for untrained riders," Brandt said. "The spike can be a token of the quality of training and education we typically provide."
"As motorcycle riders, we assume a much higher risk than typical drivers and we always hear "it's not if, it's when" but how many actually take that seriously," said Senior Master Sgt. Eric Haselby, AFSEC Conventional Weapons Safety superintendent. "Riding a motorcycle can be a very rewarding experience, but it is also a gamble, and the odds are against us."
Full story at: AF.mil (https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2538569/third-annual-spring-motorcycle-focus-kicks-off/)