Motorcycle group ride, all-call highlights safety

  • Published
  • By Wanda M. Antoine
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs Office stringer
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena motorcyclists gathered in the Keystone Theater June 5 to get the latest on mishap prevention during a motorcycle "all-call" and some also participated in the first annual Kadena Motorcycle Group Ride. 

The 18th Wing holds mandatory all-calls for motorcycle riders quarterly, with the intent of reducing mishaps and keeping people safe and injury-free. 

"The all-call is a forum to get information out," said Tech. Sgt. Jose Parra, 18 WG ground safety NCO-in-charge. "The summer months are here and we want people to go out, have fun and enjoy the island [safely]. Hopefully they get something out of these meetings and aren't just going because they have to." 

Air Force-wide 10 Airmen lost their lives in motorcycle mishaps so far in fiscal year 2007, said Tech. Sgt. Mark Hazelbaker, 18 WG ground safety NCO. One of the fatalities was here at Kadena. 

"From Memorial Day until Labor Day, mishaps increase," Sergeant Hazelbaker said. "The weather is a factor in this increase." 

Seventy-one percent of all motorcyclist deaths in 2005 occurred between the months of May and October. 

During the all-call safety specialists discussed nationwide and Air Force motorcycle trends, and stressed the importance of Personal Risk Management, or PRM. 

"With the drawdown in all services, we can't afford to lose one person," said Bert Stamm, 18 WG ground safety manager, "so we really need to pay particular attention to what we're doing while riding." 

Mr. Stamm also warned riders about helmets purchased in Okinawa. Those helmets may not meet Department of Defense standards. 

"If you would like to bring your helmets to the safety office, we can look at them and let you know if they are legal," he said. "The illegal helmet you may have may not afford the protection you need if you are ever involved in a mishap." 

Motorcycle deaths have more than doubled since 1997 and accounted for 10 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2005. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study on motorcycle safety indicated that factors such as a rider's failure to learn how his or her bike works, and failure to follow posted speed limits contribute to fatalities . 

After the all-call, about 75 participants went on the group ride. Two Kadena airmen instrumental in organizing the event were Tech. Sgt. David Garcia and Staff Sgt. Ventura Tounsel, both from the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron. They spoke of the camaraderie that riders share. 

Sergeant Garcia said, "You get a really proud feeling anytime you are associated with a long ride like this. To do it on the base and to see everybody on the streets waving and honking at you - it's a good thing to do and I am proud to be a part of it." 

Sergeant Tounsel said that motorcyclists are an unofficial fraternity. 

"We wanted to raise awareness and let everyone know we are here," he said. "This was a great opportunity for us to get together and go for a ride." 

Riders have many reasons for riding. Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Jefferson, 31st Rescue Squadron, has been riding since February. As to why he started, he said, "It was always something I wanted to do. Every time I get on the bike, it's exhilarating. It's a type of fun that you can't experience doing anything else. I love it; every time I ride, it's like the first time." 

Sergeant Hazelbaker thought the ride went well despite the rainy weather. 

"We have no control over that, but overall it was a success," said the NCO. 

The 18 WG Safety Office offers three motorcycle safety foundation courses year-round. For more information, call 634-2450 or 634-6466.