With summer rapidly approaching, Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River leadership is supporting the Navy's motorcycle safety campaign in hopes of preventing motorcycle deaths and injuries.

"We need everyone to ride smart and most of all to ride safe this summer," said Kordeen Kor, NAS Patuxent River occupational safety and health program director. "Every rider should be familiar with their command's motorcycle safety program."

"Motorcycle safety training is mandatory for all military personnel in accordance with the Navy Traffic Safety Program," Kor said. The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is required prior to operating their motorcycle.

BRC 1 is a prerequisite for riding motorcycles on any naval station. During the summer, regularly scheduled classes are offered, but instructors try to meet an increase in demand for the basic rider's course.

Classroom time is spent watching safety videos, reading the course book, and discussing the information covered in open discussion. The first topic covered is basic safety and strategies for riding a motorcycle.

BRC 2 is required for all service members within 60 days of completion of BRC 1, or when a different type of motorcycle is purchased. Refresher training is required every three years following the training.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012-an increase of 7 percent from the 4,630 motorcyclists killed in 2011. There were 93,000 motorcyclists injured during 2012, a 15-percent increase from 81,000 in 2011.

"Know your limits and the limits of your motorcycle," Kor explained. "Don't exceed those limits. Practice safety, and never ride double if you experience conditions that create a potentially unsafe condition."

Kor said even seasoned riders can overlook proper safety gear and periodic inspections.

"Riders should inspect their bikes prior to each riding session," Kor said. "This maintenance also includes the proper maintenance and care of protective equipment. Everyone who rides should wear brightly colored outer garments and high visibility reflective clothing starting 30 minutes before sunset, during hours of darkness, low visibility and up to 30 minutes after sunrise."

"The best practice is to wear safety gear all the time. Proper wear and care will save your life."

For online course registration, please visit http://www.navymotorcyclerider.com/ or https://esams.cnic.navy.mil/esams_gen_2/loginesams.aspx.


For more news from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, visit www.navy.mil/.