Motorcycle training course focuses on safety Published March 26, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Breonna Fields 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Army 344th Military Intelligence Battalion held a motorcycle training course, March 22, at the Army Battalion here. The motorcycle training course is taught by six certified motorcycle safety course instructors who are capable of teaching both beginners and experienced riders to ride safely. This course starts in a classroom where riders hear briefings about the proper wear of personal protective equipment and the importance of safety awareness when driving near four-wheeled vehicles. "It takes 1.5 to 1.75 seconds for a driver operating a vehicle to notice a motorcycle," said Samuel Spooner, 17th Training Wing Safety Chief. "The seconds increase when there are distractions such as texting or talking on the phone." To ensure that drivers notice motorcycle riders, motorcyclists are highly encouraged to wear safety gear such as reflective outer garments. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to wear reflective vests or brightly colored outer garments, said 1st Lt. Michael J. Fijman, Army 344th Military Intelligence Battalion safety officer. The class then moves to the flight line where Kevin Groff, Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coach, tests motorcyclists on the proper way to perform tasks such as changing lanes or riding a winding road. After the training on the flight line is completed, the motorcyclists go on an off-post ride in which they practice all of their training skills and remember all their safety tips.
