Motorcycle Safety Training an All Hands Evolution for All Who Ride

By Lt. Jennifer Cragg, Commander Submarine Group Two Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The safety departments for Commander, Submarine Group Two and Ten, Kings Bay, Ga., ramp up efforts to ensure all personnel who ride motorcycles on and off base are aware of motorcycle safety requirements with the motorcycle safety course, June 30.

Rear Adm. Barry Bruner, commander, Submarine Group 10, recently completed the motorcycle safety course

"The requirement to ride defensively has never been as important as it is today," said Bruner. "Even though I've ridden motorcycles for many years, I learned a lot during the expert rider's course and I applaud those who have taken the efforts to complete the motorcycle safety course and ride responsibly."

Like Bruner, all military personnel who operate a motorcycle on or off base, and as a requirement to obtain a base decal, are required to complete an approved motorcycle rider safety course, according to the Naval Safety Center.

Command Master Chief (SS) Wesley Koshoffer, Submarine Group Two command master chief, believes in the motorcycle safety courses because it provides safety aspects many Sailors may have not considered. Also, most importantly, it helps to save lives.

"It's not just about checking a box that you attended a motorcycle safety course; it's about hearing the message, and applying that message to ensure you can operate a motorcycle safety while driving," said Koshoffer.

According to the Naval Safety Center more than two-thirds of accidents involving cars and motorcycles, the driver causes the wreck, not the motorcyclist. Most of the time, the driver didn't see the motorcycle.

Lt. Bobby Forest, CSG Two safety officer, assists with certifying command personnel to properly ride motorcycles on and off base. He said Sailors need to be aware of the training requirements, especially after purchasing a sports bike.

"Military personnel are required to complete a motorcycle safety course within 60 days after purchasing a sports bike," said Forest. "We want our military personnel to have all of the safety tips available to safely operate a sports bike and to remain alive."

Completing the necessary training can save lives. In 2010, 10 of 13 Naval motorcycle fatalities did not complete all the mandatory training related to operating a sports bike per the Naval Safety Center.

Other Naval Safety Center tips to abide by while riding motorcycles include: Don't assume a driver can see you; take precautions before you ride by wearing helmets with retro-reflective materials; keep your headlights on while operating a motorcycle and if you can't see a driver's face in his rear-view mirror, he can't see you, either. Finally, be aware of your blind spots and be cautious of the likely situations that lead to accidents such as a driver changing lanes or turning in your blind spot and road hazards.