Army enhances motorcycle safety training in Qatar

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Capt. Thomas Crane, from Naperville, Ill., watches Staff Sgt. Douglas Brandstetter, from Westworth Village, Texas, navigate a Honda Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMARTrainer) scenario at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 2. Each SMARTrainer system integrates a computer, monitor and printer with motorcycle controls and a noise suppression headset. Powerful software delivers four driving courses: practice, city, suburban and touring. Each scenario is further broken down into several different routes, as well as options to navigate though daylight, nighttime or foggy conditions. Crane asks each service member which situation they are most likely to encounter to customize the experience.  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

06.02.2009

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tom Vacca, from Pittsburg, Kan., and Staff Sgt. Douglas Brandstetter, from Westworth Village, Texas, completed a motorcycle safety course using a Honda Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer (SMARTrainer) at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 2. Capt. Thomas Crane, from Naperville, Ill., continues to help potential riders commit to safe roadway habits, as well as re-orientate experienced motorcycle owners before they redeploy.

According to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, motorcycle fatalities have steadily increased over the last decade. In fiscal 2008, the Army lost more Soldiers to motorcycle accidents than any previous year since 1986.

This year, U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar increased efforts to save lives by introducing the latest technology from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation - just in time for Soldiers returning home during the warm summer months. Al Hydeman, MSF managing director, delivered the Honda SMARTtrainer to the U.S. military installation in March. While in Qatar, Hydeman conducted a two-day training session for Crane and two installation fire department contractors - thereby announcing the first MSF-certified SMARTrainer instructors in the Middle East.

Each SMARTrainer system integrates a computer, monitor and printer with motorcycle controls and a noise suppression headset. Powerful software delivers four driving courses: practice, city, suburban and touring. Each scenario is further broken down into several different routes, as well as options to navigate though daylight, nighttime or foggy conditions. Crane asks each service member which situation they are most likely to encounter to customize the training.

"Inexperienced riders who are eager to hop on a motorcycle after redeploying are our biggest concern," said Crane, an avid rider and owner of a Harley-Davidson Road King 1450cc. "It's easy to feel an adrenalin rush after returning home from a long overseas deployment ... riding a motorcycle seems to be a growing outlet for that energy. Service members often find themselves encouraged to join military riding groups; plus, today's gas prices are making it more inviting from a cost-savings perspective. At Camp As Sayliyah, they are able to get a safe reality check on what it's like to ride before returning home."

"I'm looking forward to buying a motorcycle when I get home," said Vacca. He attended Crane's SMARTrainer safety class to better understand riding. "I've wanted to own a bike for a long time. My first purchase will probably be a sport bike. The Patriot Guard Riders participate in a lot for military memorials and parades in my hometown — I'd like to join them someday."

"We're not promoting motorcycle riding," said Crane. "We are trying to help them stay safe after redeploying. Some even say the trainer helps make them become better drivers, since a lot of the simulated situations can happen in a vehicle too."

"The SMARTrainer helped me identify dangers from different perspectives," said Vacca. Various replay settings allow riders to review their performance from a bird's eye perspective to the front seat of a passing car. "The more time I can spend on this trainer, the more comfortable I will be on the road." After the class was over, Vacca immediately asked Crane for another opportunity on Friday.

"The SMARTrainer software drives the message home with detailed feedback and different playback options," said Brandstetter. The Suzuki Boulevard 800cc owner passed MSF Basic and Experienced Rider Courses at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. "This training system helps make riders more aware of unexpected hazards found in the streets. It should be a part of all basic motorcycle safety courses in the United States."

"My wife was happy to hear I planned on attending this motorcycle safety class while in Qatar," said Vacca, recalling a phone conversation with his spouse last light. "It will help me stay safe after buying my first motorcycle when I get home."

• Date Taken: 06.02.2009
• Date Posted: 06.02.2009 11:14
• Story ID: 34432
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA