MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- With summer quickly arriving, Station residents can begin to take layers off and enjoy the weather. The warmth also ushers in multiple activities that can be dangerous and at times unsafe without the proper precautionary steps.
Safety while involved in everyday activities, such as riding motorcycles, is very important for both loved ones and personnel aboard the Station.
"The beginning of March to the end of October is beautiful weather to ride," said Sgt. Stan Smith, Headquarters and Headquarter Squadron senior customs inspector.
According to Marine Corps Air Station Order P5560.8A, every person, Status of Forces Agreement status or not, riding on the Station will wear personal protective equipment. All active duty personnel in the Marine Corps operating a motorcycle off base will also wear the proper PPE.
"Long sleeves are required in order to ride," said Smith, motorcycle rider for the past 16 years. "A gortex can be worn while riding, but by the time you get to your destination your body is covered in sweat. What I did to overcome that was buy a blouse, cut off the sleeves and make it so I can easily put them on and take them off."
According to Sgt. Ryan Wilkinson, traffic accident investigator, "Some of the basic rules for PPE are long pants, a Department of Transportation approved helmet and some form of hard-soled shoes or leather material. Reflective vests during the night or bright clothing during the day can be worn instead."
Saving lives is one benefit of wearing the proper PPE. Another is avoiding confrontation with the military police.
"Riding motorcycles is a privilege to Station members," said Wilkinson. "The rules are there and must be followed, no matter what the circumstances are. If you disagree, then don't ride, but we are just here to enforce the rules already in place."
The Station order also explains the proper manner of riding on motorcycles.
Passengers are only allowed to ride on motorcycles if the bike is made for two riders, said Wilkinson. Passengers riding on motorcycles must be at least four years old and weigh no less than 45 pounds.
"I don't take my daughter anywhere when I'm on my bike," said Smith. "She is too small. She will not be riding with me until she can reach the footrests and can wrap her arms around me. She is too young to understand safety policies and how to react in case of an emergency."
Wearing the proper safety gear is both required by order and the safe decision to make when riding.
"In the past 16 years I have only been in four accidents," said Smith. "From those four, I have yet to get injured. At the same time, I have had friends get seriously injured because they weren't wearing proper footgear or gloves. Living alone is a good reason to wear proper equipment."