Safety campaign: “Make memories, not memorials” Published May 20, 2011 By Bill Kornafell 377th Air Base Wing Ground Safety Manager Kirtland AIr Force Base, NM -- Memorial Day kicks off the Air Force Critical Days of Summer safety campaign. Concerns with traffic safety for our Kirtland Airmen and their families, particularly motorcyclists and bicyclists, remains at the forefront. Everyone must be committed to mitigating risk. In a April 19 memorandum designating 2011 as the Year of Motorcycle Safety, General Breedlove and Assistant Secretary Yonkers stated the following: "Motorcycle fatalities are up over 150 percent since January 2011, compared to the same period last year. These losses are unacceptable for our Air Force. The Air Force has already suffered one permanent disability and five fatal motorcycle mishaps. All had two common causal factors: no automobiles were involved and the rider lost control of the motorcycle. All were preventable tragedies and were devastating to our units, communities and our Air Force family." "More and more motorcyclists and bicyclists are hitting the roads," said Terry Beggs, 377th Air Base Wing Chief of Safety. "With that in mind, drivers of all vehicles, including sport utility vehicles, passenger cars and trucks, need to be extra attentive and make sure they 'share the road.' " General Breedlove and Assistant Secretary Yonkers also stated: "Both of us are avid life-long motorcycle riders and can speak from experience. Each rider must exercise special caution, know his/her limitations, and make the right decisions when it comes to speed, reckless riding, and alcohol use. Proper use of personal protective equipment can save your life, so always dress for the crash and not the ride. Treat riding as you would any combat mission by checking your equipment, gear, training, and attitude." A motorcyclist is more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in a crash. Research from DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that per vehicle mile traveled; motorcyclists are about 39 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes. We encourage everyone to enjoy what New Mexico and other areas throughout the nation offer for fun, but challenge you to accept responsibility for the safety of yourselves, family, and fellow wingmen -- Make Memories, not Memorials. Motorcycle safety tips A motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other vehicles. Always allow a motorcyclist a full lane. Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed. Allow more following distance - three or four seconds -- when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars. Never drive while distracted.