MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Many station residents will attest that nothing compares to the thrill of riding a motorcycle. The wind in your face, the sun on your back and the sheer exhilaration of cruising through Japan’s scenic vistas are second to none. Unfortunately, however, some riders pay the ultimate price for their negligence behind the handlebars.
In an effort to engage the community in reducing motorcycle mishaps, Marine Corps Bases Japan and the III Marine Expeditionary Force held the Ride Right Motorcycle Safety Campaign this week.
All station bikers are required to attend a mandatory safety stand-down Friday afternoon in the Building 1 auditorium. The presentation includes important information on both air station and Japanese motorcycle regulations.
Sgt. Forrest K. Winter, Provost Marshal’s Office accident investigator, reminded attendees that when riding off-base they are subject to different rules than in the states.
According to Japanese law, a rider must possess a motorcycle license for one year before he is able to carry a passenger. In order to carry a passenger on the expressways, the motorcycle operator must have three years of experience and must be at least 20-years-old.
These laws are strongly enforced, and those in violation will be subject to a minimum of 12,000 yen fine, Winter said.
Mark A. Parsons, station safety occupational health specialist and Hebron, Ohio, native, organized the stand-down and talked about the importance of personal protective equipment. Aside from being the rider’s first line of defense in the event of an accident, PPE is also strongly enforced by PMO.
According to Marine Corps Air Station Order P5560.8A, all riders must wear a helmet equipped with chin straps that meets required standards. Plastic or hardened safety glass goggles or a full face shield must also be worn by both passenger and operator.
Riders must wear clothing covering the upper torso and legs as well as full fingered gloves or mittens designed for motorcycle use. Brightly colored upper garments must be worn during the day, and at night or during times of low visibility a bright yellow, orange, blue or lime-green vest with retro-reflective strips must be worn. Footwear must be boots of leather or leather-like material that cover the ankles.
The order also reminds service members, when in uniform, only the reflective vest will be worn, and reflective jackets are not authorized.
Parsons, who has been riding for 36 years with nine years of competitive riding, stressed to attendees the importance of riding within their experience levels.
“It doesn’t matter what part of the world you’re in, the cause of motorcycle accidents is usually the same,” said Parsons. “In single-vehicle accidents, it’s usually somebody riding beyond their limits.”