Motorcycle Safety Week rides into Fort Campbell

FORT CAMPBELL, KY, UNITED STATES

06.02.2014

Story by Sgt. William Battle 

372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

There is nothing like that feeling of freedom that one gets while riding on the open road, racing through the wind. That exhilaration, however, can be taken away in a split second due to any number of factors. Speed, collision with other vehicles, rider fatigue and indiscipline are just some of the causes that can lead to a death or a lifetime of disability. To ride means requiring skill and diligence when on the road.

Cars are built with numerous safety features in the case of an accident which causes some drivers to feel protected and invincible. Motorcycle riders, on the other hand, wear their protection and have to pay much closer attention to the road and travel conditions.

Data from the Combat Readiness Center states that there were 41 motorcycle fatalities Armywide in fiscal year 2013 with five of those Soldiers being from Fort Campbell. According to the Installation Safety Office, as of April 22 the Army has already seen 21 motorcycle fatalities for fiscal year 2014 with three of those being Soldiers from Fort Campbell. Even further, 14 of those casualties were noncommissioned officers.

Gen. John F. Campbell, vice chief of staff of the Army said that the number of NCOs involved in this year’s motorcycle fatalities indicates that there is a failure of leadership on the issue of motorcycle safety.

“We expect our NCO Corps to enforce standards on and off duty, and set the example of discipline and professionalism,” he said in a recent memo on motorcycle safety. However, he did not limit this observation to NCOs but extended it to all Army leadership.

“Whether commissioned or enlisted, leaders are not exempt from the standards, and you should not excuse risky behavior based on rank,” he said.

Last week, Fort Campbell celebrated Installation Motorcycle Safety Week that offered five sessions of the motorcycle safety presentation and mentorship rides conducted by individual brigades. Motorcycle safety is imperative to the Army mission. “This is one week we set aside every year at Fort Campbell to focus on motorcycle safety that is open to the 101st Airborne Division and all tenants of Fort Campbell,” said Mike Johnson, director of the Installation Safety Office.

With the increasing numbers of riders among its ranks, the Army is also seeing a rise in the number of fatalities from motorcycle-related accidents. The Installation Safety Office hopes that this week’s observances not only raise awareness, but also prevent Soldiers from becoming a part of the growing statistics.
101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell Command Sgt. Maj. Alonzo J. Smith opened the presentations with a talk about his own experiences as a rider and the importance of taking proper safety precautions. “Experience is not a failsafe,” he said. “There are some things that will be out of your control when you’re out on the road.”

A one-hour presentation was given by Lonnie Scott of the Installation Safety Office. During the presentation, the 844 Soldiers in attendance were instructed on everything from proper selection and wearing of personal protective equipment to conduct and strategies during group riding events.

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - The Installation Safety Office provides motorcycle safety training year-round for riders of every skill level weekly. There is a two-day basic rider course offered every Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday that combines classroom instruction and hands-on training. During this training, motorcycles and helmets are provided to attendees by the Installation Safety Office.

The Experienced Rider Course is conducted every Wednesday with participants required to use their own motorcycles and personal protective equipment. The Military Sport Bike Course is a one-day course conducted every other Wednesday.

All classes begin at 7:15 a.m. at 6074 Screaming Eagle Blvd. and are not held on federal holidays. For more information, call the Installation Safety Office at [phone].

Soldiers can register for these courses on Army Training Requirements and Resources System or through their Schools NCO. Completion of these courses also allows Soldiers to receive discounts on personal protective equipment by presenting their motorcycle safety card at any AAFES location.

Gen. Campbell stresses that motorcycle safety should not be limited to spring and summer, but should be a year-round practice for all Soldier riders. “By doing all we can, all the time, we will lose far fewer Soldiers to preventable motorcycle accidents,” he said.

• Date Taken: 06.02.2014
• Date Posted: 12.22.2014 13:42
• Story ID: 150931
• Location: FORT CAMPBELL, KY, US