Wing raises motorcycle safety bar

  • Published
  • By By Lt. Col. Ronald Whittle
  • 47th FTW Chief of Safety
LAUGHLIN AFB, Texas --  The 47 FTW Wing Commander recently approved a new motorcycle safety policy regarding Laughlin's military members. Very soon, he will also approve a new policy affecting our civilian members while operating motorcycles on base. These new policies represent the careful study of recent and very unfortunate motorcycle safety incidents at Laughlin as well as across the Air Force.

When you look closely at our local motorcycle incidents as well as safety trends across the Air Force, training, commander involvement, and risk management practices clearly stand out as areas we need to focus on. Lack of rider proficiency and insufficient training are factors that have played a role in nearly every motorcycle mishap in the Air Force this year. Our Wing Commander's new policy for military members seeks to remedy this by enhancing our motorcycle training program as well as increasing commander involvement through sound risk management processes.

The new policy requires military members to complete basic rider training before operating a motorcycle. Additionally, all members will complete an experienced (advanced) rider course using their personal motorcycle in four instances:

1. After the initial purchase of a motorcycle (within 2 months) for new operators.
2. When the member changes motorcycle class. An example would be when changing from a touring bike to a sport bike.
3. When upgrading to a high performance (500cc and above) motorcycle.
4. At the commander's discretion, when the member has not maintained riding proficiency.

In short, all military riders are required to complete the experienced rider course at some point and may be required to re-take the course in some instances. Wing Safety remains the point of contact to coordinate motorcycle training. Motorcycle riders should be prepared to show Security Forces their training completion cards at the base gates and on traffic stops.

In addition to these training requirements, commanders are required to conduct initial and follow-up interviews of all prospective motorcycle operators. These interviews will ensure the commander is aware of any personal factors that may affect the risk the member is exposed to while operating a motorcycle. Commanders are also provided a risk assessment tool to help them in implementing potential rider restrictions based on the risk present.

In line with the recently revised Air Force Instruction 91-207, The US Air Force Traffic Safety Program, the new motorcycle safety policy for civilians will require them to have completed an approved motorcycle education course in order to operate the motorcycle on an AF installation.

Our new motorcycle safety policies are important aspects of our strategy to keep our Laughlin community safe and accident free. They reflect the fact that protecting the health and welfare of our military and civilian members is our leadership's highest priority and stands as my biggest focus, as the Chief of Safety. You can find a copy of the new military member policy at the Laughlin AFB website. 

Please contact us at Wing Safety at x5679 with any questions you may have.