Last modified Wed., September 27, 2006 - 03:33 PM
Originally created Thursday, September 28, 2006

Jax Sailors focus on motorcycle safety

By MC1(SW)G. Wade McKinnon, VP-5 Public Affairs

Motorcyclists from Commander, Patrol Reconnaissance Wing 11 gather together after an annual motorcycle safety standown to promote motorcycle safety. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

Motorcycle riders from Com-mander, Patrol Reconnais-sance Wing 11 met at the NAS Jacksonville base theater recently for the annual motorcycle safety stand-down. Approximately 120 Sailors benefited from the valuable safety talks given by guest speakers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO).

''The stand-down was an absolute success,'' said Lt. Robert Woodards, a VP-5 pilot and assistant motorcycle safety officer. There can never be enough emphasis on motorcycle safety. Last year, there were 21 Navy and 14 Marine fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents. An effort was made at the safety stand-down to emphasize benefits of a safety barrier that included a helmet, gloves, long sleeves, pants, reflective vest and riding boots.

''Motorcycle riding requires much more caution and defensive driving procedures than driving an automobile,'' stated ADAN Dustin Childress of the VP-5 Command Services Office, who is a big fan of motorcycles and learned helpful tips to increase his own safety. ''I often ride in groups. The stand-down taught me there is more control of situations while riding in small groups.''

''They covered a lot of stuff that I did not know and I've been street riding for more than five years,'' said AE1 Henry Jones, VP-5 quality assurance representative who also attended the safety stand-down and appreciated the variety of information provided. ''I liked that JSO explained the laws so everyone could easily understand them. I especially enjoyed the part about exhaust pipes and mufflers being considered good to have loud. The noise can make you safer on the street. Other drivers may not always see you, but they are likely to hear you.''

After the safety briefing, the riders enjoyed a motorcycle ride to a local restaurant.

''I thought it was great we got some good tips from the deputies about favorable riding conditions,'' said AZAN Charles Burdette of VP-5, ''The stand-down was an immediate benefit for us.''

SK2(AW/SW) Daisy Coates of the Aviation Supply Department, also thought the guest speakers provided some much needed information. ''I have only been riding about a year and this brief was very beneficial. ''So many people are killed in motorcycle accidents because they don't wear their helmets. Sometimes I'm tempted not to wear my helmet but the temptation goes away when I think about the safety stand-down,'' she said.