Motorcycle Safety Rally
Jon Hemphill, of the 46th Test Squadron, takes a turn on the training course at Eglin’s annual motorcycle safety rally April 13. The rally brought together a record number of 650 bikers from all services and bases for safety discussions, riding courses and group rides. (U.S. Air Force photo/Randy Gon)
Warnings heeded at safety rally saved lives



by Randy Gon
Team Eglin Public Affairs

4/18/2012 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Dress for the crash, not for the ride.

That's one of the few things Staff Sgt Gregory Todd, of the 96th Communications Squadron, said he remembers of his lucky Friday, April 13.

After attending Eglin's annual motorcycle safety rally, Todd found himself in the very situation he'd just heard discussed. While riding his motorcycle on Highway 98, a car pulled out in front of him. He swerved and laid his bike down. Todd hit his head in the resulting crash, causing slight memory loss. Thankfully, he'd heeded the "dress for the crash, not for the ride" phrase and was able to walk away because of that warning.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Ash, of the 29th Training Systems Squadron, who also attended the rally, was not as lucky as Todd.

Ash was also involved in the same accident and sustained leg and hip injuries.  He is currently on quarters.  According to the 53rd Wing's chief of ground safety and the rally's coordinator, Joe Bailey, in both incidents, the safety equipment worked.

"Seriously, they both were wearing their PPE and the PPE saved these kids' lives," he said.

Ash, Todd and more than 600 other bikers attended the rally where they heard rider testimonials and guest speakers discuss safety tips. The bikers also participated in group rides and, most importantly, talked with other bikers and learned from each other.

"Safety first and mentorship are our main goals today," said Tech Sgt. Jason Morris, 336th Training Squadron, Detachment 3 from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and president of the Green Knights, Chapter 89 motorcycle club. "We're here to support all the bikers of Eglin Air Force Base."

The rally's keynote speaker, Brittany Morrow, spoke specifically about personal protective equipment - the major factor in Todd's accident not being much worse. Morrow, the founder of Rock the Gear Inc., a non-profit organization focused on informing riders about PPE, told the story of a near-fatal accident that caused her to become an advocate for wearing the right equipment.

"If not for yourself, wear it for your wife, child or buddy," Morrow pleaded to the crowd.

Deputy Bill Harwood, of the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department, explained the financial ramifications of wild and fast driving on a motorcycle in Florida.

"Wheelies - first offense $1,166 fine, second $2,666 fine, third time... I own your bike," he continued. "If a rider is 50 mph over the speed limit, you will owe $1,103 and a mandatory court appearance."

In his comments to the bikers, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Merchant, the Air Armament Center commander, viewed the process of motorcycle riding as the same as any standard military process and stressed that using operational risk management works.

"Just as you've got a plan to get out of this hangar if there's a fire, you should have a plan when you take to the road," said the general.

(Samuel King, Jr., Team Eglin Public Affairs, contributed to the article.)