Motorcycle joy, safety

Photo By Spc. Corey Foreman | Master Sgt. Jason Hunt, noncommissioned officer in charge of intelligence operations Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division sits on his motorcycle March 22, 2016, at Fort Stewart, Ga. Hunt has been riding a motorcycle since he was 15 years old and is a motorcycle mentor for 2nd IBCT. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Corey Foreman / Released)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

03.22.2016

Story by Spc. Corey Foreman 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Weather is warming up and more riders are pulling out of the garage to start their bikes and ride across sunny coastal Georgia.
According to the “Army Motorcycle Safety Guide,” motorcycling has become increasingly popular in the Army, with over 33,000 motorcycles currently registered on Army installations.
“I love to ride, to experience the nice weather and the adrenaline going around corners,” said Spc. Andrew Fathbruckner, infantryman of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “It’s something you can talk about and have a bond with other riders.”
“I love back country roads, the twist and turns, areas where I can really see what’s around me and get the sights and senses,” said Master Sgt. Jason Hunt, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd IBCT intelligence operations noncommissioned officer in charge.
Although there are many joys of riding, there are also hazards. Precautions should be taken to create a fun and safe riding environment.
“I believe loud pipes save lives,” Hunt said, meaning a loud exhaust allows riders to be heard. “I always have my personal protective equipment (PPE): helmet, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, boots and a reflective vest.”
“Vehicles don’t pay attention for motorcycles,” Fathbruckner said. “You should always have space between a car and yourself.”
According to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety in Georgia, from January – September 2014 there were 101 motorcycle fatalities. Since 2013, 3rd Infantry Division has lost four Soldiers to motorcycle accidents, but one loss is too many.
Many motorcyclists believe that there are two types of riders, those who have fallen, and those who will fall.
“I believe everyone will get their turn,” Hunt said. “Every rider will drop their bike at some point. Whether it’s at five miles per hour or 50 miles per hour, wearing PPE will help protect you and keep you riding the next day.”
According to the “Army Motorcycle Safety Guide,” mentorship programs improve motorcycle safety within the Army through proper training and preparation. Unit-level program activities, such as brigade safety rides, check that Soldiers have all Department of Defense mandated protective equipment needed to conduct a safe ride and build morale between fellow riders in the organization.

• Date Taken: 03.22.2016
• Date Posted: 04.06.2016 11:50
• Story ID: 194528
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US