See Me... Save me

  • Published
  • By Michael Fischer, RSP
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Safety Office
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The month of May is Motorcycle Safety Month, but a better way to think of it is, "Driver Awareness Month!" In nearly 75 percent of all motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, the driver of the car claims to have not seen the motorcyclist. The rider can have all of the proper personal protective equipment on, be fully trained to search and evaluate hazards and road conditions and have been mentored by peers and experienced riders, but if the person in the car doesn't see them, it often spells danger for the motorcyclist. In the Air Force the numbers are sobering: one in 10 riders involved in an accident will not survive the encounter.

For the past four years, the 14th Flying Training Wing Safety Office has promoted the "BLAZE Riders, See Me... Save Me" driver awareness campaign. "See Me" is a reminder that many members of Team BLAZE ride motorcycles. They are our co-workers, bosses, commanders, enlisted and officer Airmen. They are spouses, parents, coaches and students. In fact, you'll see many of our BLAZE motorcycle riders featured on posters throughout the base in May.

"Save Me" is a reminder to look twice for motorcycles on the road, especially while changing lanes, entering the traffic flow and exiting parking lots. The local community is also engaged in our "See Me...Save Me" campaign. Local business owners have partnered with us and will display messages and signs along Highway 45 and around Columbus during the month of May. The local television station will also run Public Service Announcements throughout the month reminding those that drive to look twice for motorcyclists. How can you help? By spreading the word to all your friends and family members, reminding them to not just look for motorcyclists, but to "See" them.

A key component to the Air Force Motorcycle Safety Campaign is motorcycle rider training. If you are a rider, you can increase awareness by taking a Motorcycle Safety Course and applying the skills you learn through this nationally certified training. This training is mandatory for all active duty military riders and is highly encouraged for all other riders. The training is free and offered to all riders not required to attend on a space available basis. As our commitment to your safety and to ensure we meet the guidance, the 14th FTW recently trained and graduated seven new rider coaches who will help ensure all new and experienced riders receive the training required.

It is important to understand that BLAZE Riders are trained to look for potential hazards while riding, and to be constantly vigilant of the drivers around them. They have to be... their life depends on it! To gain experience, BLAZE Riders are mentored by other riders and expected to pass on that mentorship as they gain more experience. Also, BLAZE Riders always dress for the occasion. They wear appropriate riding gear and they purposefully make themselves visible by wearing bright colors during the day with retro-reflective properties so they can be seen after dark. However, even when a BLAZE Rider makes themselves conspicuous in order for everyone to "See" them, it is up to all of us to "Save" them. So the next time you are entering an intersection, pulling out of a parking lot, or changing lanes, take that second look at your surroundings to ensure you are doing your part to keep our Air Force family safe... See Me...Save Me!