I’m dead, but I was looking cool when I went

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Andy Swenson
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  What's this all about; another attempt to bash motorcyclists? No, actually it's a call for some common sense and old-fashioned discipline. In the last month, there has been one motorcycle operator wearing a novelty helmet instead of the required Department of Transportation-approved item on base, and two more have been seen off base not wearing any helmet at all. Far too often, the safety office hears stories of operators removing their helmets or reflective gear as they drive off base or parking their motorcycles off base and then hitching a ride with a buddy to avoid getting caught at the front gate.

So what's the big deal; almost everyone in North Dakota rides without a helmet, right? Unfortunately, that is true, and for the civilians in the local community over 18, they are within the law. They also like to ride in shorts, T-shirts and sandals, but these habits do nothing to protect the body if involved in a mishap and are a surefire recipe for obtaining some bragging right scars - if they survive. As every experienced rider knows, with motorcycles it's not a matter of if you'll go down, but when; every ride can be your last.

Bottom line: when you joined the Air Force you agreed to abide by the rules set down by your superiors. Those rules, from the Department of Defense right down to local supplements, state that military member's are required to wear a DOT-approved helmet, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long-legged pants, sturdy, over-the-ankle shoes, goggles or a full-face shield, full-fingered gloves, and a brightly colored upper outer garment that is reflective at night.

Don't just protect yourself because the Air Force says so; do so because it is the right thing to do. Making it home to your loved ones at night beats the alternative any day. Likewise, if you're not following the rules, you could be paying for your own hospital bills under a line of duty determination. That's right, up to and including not paying a death benefit to your survivors if the worst were to happen. The DoD Instruction 6055.5 recommends a "Line of Duty" determination be conducted if policy violation is suspected. So, as Dirty Harry said "You need to ask yourself a question! 'Do I feel lucky?' Well do you?"