Two-Wheeled Safety

Two-Wheeled Safety

Ride Safe and come home safe.

 

Important Message for Non-Riders

The majority of motorcycle and bicycling related major injuries and fatalities are caused by the carelessness of drivers of four-wheeled vehicles.

 

Give riders room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists and motorcyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.

 

Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.

 

Look Twice, Save a Life!

 

 

Motorcycle Safety

You can't control other drivers, but you can help avoid serious motorcycle accidents by taking charge of the things you can control. Follow these seven tips while on your motocycle:

 

 

1
  Always wear a helmet
Choose a helmet that displays the DOT label which indicates that it meets federal safety standards.
2
  Know your limits
You and your motorcycle have limits.  Know them!  Do not buy more bike than you can handle.
3
  Watch your speed
Follow posted speed limits
4
  Keep your distance
No one likes a tailgater. Keep a safe distance between your bike and other vehicles.
5
  Signal
Use your signals.
6
  Use both breaks
When braking use both brakes at the same time by applying them slow and steady.
7
  Be Seen
Avoid blind spots and always use your headlights day or night.

 

Motorcycle Rider Down Report

Information gathered from October 2016 until May 2017
USN Riders Killed in FY 2017: 5
Total Navy Motorcycle Mishaps Reported in WESS for FY 2017: 114
USMC Riders Killed in FY2017: 7
Total USMC Motorcycle mishaps reported in WESS for FY 2017:  61

 

 

Motorcycle Training

All military personnel who operate a motorcycle on/off base are required to complete a COMNAVSAFECEN approved motorcycle rider safety course prior to operating these vehicles. (Ref: OPNAVINST 5100.12). Information about registering for Motorcycle Safety Courses and the class schedule may be found on our Traffic Safety page.

 

Bicycle Safety

There are two main types of crashes: the most common (falls), and the most serious (the ones with cars). Regardless of the reason for the crash, prevention is the name of the game; there are things you can do to decrease your risk of a crash.

 

  • Bicycles in the roadway are considered vehicles. All States require bicyclists on the roadway to follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorists.
  • Sidewalks were designed for pedestrians.  If you bicycle on the sidewalk, ride slowly and give pedestrians the right of way.
  • The biggest preventable risk factor for bicycle head injury is not wearing a bicycle helmet. Helmets will protect you against 85% of all head injuries and 88% against brain injuries. 
  • If your bicycle fits, you’ll perform better and avoid overuse injuries. Your knees should be at about a 15 -degree angle when fully extended.
  • Make sure you have lights and reflectors on your bike, whether you are using it for training, recreation, or transportation. Use lights and reflectors from dusk until dawn.
  • Carry a cell phone or some money for a phone call or a cab ride if you run into trouble, your ID card, and an emergency-contact card.
  • The primary risk factors are excessive speed, traffic, fatigue, and poor road conditions.
  • Beware at intersections. Signal your turns and look out for others. Use hand signals when turning.
  • Fatal collisions are most common in urban areas. Roads with speed limits of 55 mph or greater produce higher rates of injuries and fatalities.
  • You’ll need all of your senses, especially hearing and sight. Don’t wear headphones.
  • Wear comfortable, brightly colored clothing or a safety vest as another good precaution.
  • Wear a reflective vest from dusk until dawn.
  • Check your tires for nicks, cuts and wear before each ride, and ensure the tires are inflated properly.
  • Get in shape before you get serious about cycling. Stretch and do strengthening exercises. Before you ride, warm up and stretch for 5-to-10 minutes.