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equipment where conditions dictate. Also exempted is
communication equipment being used for official
business.
MOTORCYCLES
The Navy uses the term motorcycle to refer to
motorcycles, motorscooters, motorized bicycles,
mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVS). If you are in
the Navy and operate a motorcycle, on or off base, you
are required to successfully complete a motorcycle
safety program approved by NAVSAFECEN. You must
be licensed by a state to operate a motorcycle before you
can enroll in the course. You must also complete this
course before you can obtain a base sticker that allows
you to operate a motorcycle on base. Although you
cannot license an ATV for operation on public
roadways, all ATV operators must successfully com-
plete the All Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) ATV
Rider Course.
Motorcycle safety courses are available throughout
the Navy. You are not required to pay for those courses.
Once you have successfully completed an approved
course, it is important you continue to practice your
riding skills. The skills you learn in the course are only
effective if they are used. About half of all motorcycle
accidents involve personnel with less than 5 months’
riding experience on the motorcycle involved.
Navy motorcycle operators must wear the following
protective equipment when operating/riding a
motorcycle:
A properly fastened helmet that meets U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
Properly worn eye-protective devices, which are
defined as impact- or shatter-resistant eye-
glasses, goggles, or a face shield attached to a
helmet. A motorcycle-mounted windshield is not
considered to be proper eye protection.
A long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long-legged
trousers, and full-finger leather or equivalent
gloves.
Properly worn hard-soled shoes with heels.
Riders are encouraged to wear over-the-ankle
shoes or boots.
A commercially available, brightly colored,
mesh or fabric safety vest with reflective vertical,
horizontal, or diagonal stripes front and back
with a minimum of 130 square inches of
reflective area; 65 square inches on the front and
65 square inches on the back.
The proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for
motorcycle riders does much more than protect them
during a mishap. It also protects them from exposure to
the environment. A helmet and eye/face protection
(fig. 10-5) protect from wind blast, sand, gravel, bugs,
and so forth. Clothing protects the riders from weather,
flying objects, and hot parts of the motorcycle. Since
motorcyclists are exposed to these conditions each time
they ride, they should protect themselves as much as
possible by wearing PPE.
SUMMARY
We discussed the most important pints of the
traffic safety program covered in OPNAVINST
5100.12F, Issuance of Navy Traffic Safety Program.
We discussed to whom the program applies; possible
penalties for failure to comply; safety belt regulations;
driver education; pedestrians; and the use of alcohol,
portable headphones, and motorcycles.
Read this chapter carefully and follow its directions.
We want you to live and enjoy operating your motor
vehicles for a long time.
10-7
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