Photo Stirs Bad Memories

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Garrett D. Rosier
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As I opened the September/October 2006 issue of Torch Magazine, I was saddened by seeing the article entitled "Traffic Fatalities Rise" on page 8. Articles such as these always rip open the wound of losing my best friend to a motorcycle accident three years ago.

To my chagrin, there is a photo of an Air Force member on a motorcycle with no helmet. He's also wearing a black T-shirt, battle dress uniform pants and boots. As the motorcycle mentor for my organization and an avid motorcycle rider for all 12 years of my career, I was horrified!

This picture goes against all of the instructions and directions explained to members as they meet with their commanders for their high risk activity briefing even before they are allowed to ride. Air Force Instruction 91-207, USAF Traffic Safety Program, requires the following protective equipment for operators and passengers:

  • Department of Transportation approved protective helmet.
  • Impact resistant goggles or a full-face shield on their helmet.
  • Brightly colored or contrasting vest or jacket as an outer upper garment during the day and reflective during the night.
  • Long sleeved shirts or jackets.
  • Full-fingered motorcycle gloves or mittens.
  • Long trousers.
  • Sturdy footwear. Leather boots or over-the ankle shoes are strongly encouraged.

As a former member of the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, I realize that this was a staged picture, cut and pasted for dramatic effect. However, as a military training instructor, I have learned the importance of "practicing like you play."

Many of your readers will see this picture and think this is the norm, possibly injuring or God forbid, killing themselves because of a lack of proper personal protective equipment. All I ask is that in the future you take the time to accurately portray situations such as this to set the example and maybe, just maybe, traffic fatalities will see a decrease.

Thanks for your time, and keep up the good work!

The photo illustration you refer to intentionally depicts the safety violations referred to in the story. If you refer to the bold text to the right of the photo, it says, "Motorcycle fatalities rose 13 percent from 4,028 in 2004 to 4,553 in 2005, and almost half of the people who died were not wearing a helmet." That was a main focus of the story - motorcycle riders who aren't wearing helmets are dying. Nevertheless, we appreciate your concern about reducing mishaps. The important information you sent in your letter, along with sharing your own personal loss, should help further that cause.