Motorcycle safety gear required, smart Published Aug. 13, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Wearing appropriate motorcycle gear is not only smart, but is required by Air Force and Department of Defense regulations. Not abiding by the apparel requirements can result in a discipline or suspension from driving on base. But, ultimately, wearing appropriate gear is not about punishment. Officials said it's about staying safe. "The appropriate gear is your only means of protection in case of a spill and strike to the ground," said Steve Serrette, 72nd Safety Office manager. Proper apparel also protects riders from poor weather and allows other vehicle operators to better see a motorcycle rider. Motorcycle riders are expected to wear helmets, eye protection, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants over ankle shoes or boots - preferably leather, and full-fingered gloves. Officials said outer upper garments - particularly jackets or long-sleeved shirts - should be brightly-colored during the day and reflective at night. Great examples of brightly colored upper garments include fluorescent green, yellow and orange tops or safety vests, officials said. Contrary to popular belief, active duty, reserve and guard on active duty, must wear all Air Force-required motorcycle gear off-base, as well as on base. On base, when not dressed appropriately, all Tinker motorcycle riders can be disciplined using a point system. Eventually, when enough points have accumulated, a driver will be suspended from driving on base. At a first offense, Wayne Smith, 72nd Safety and Health manager and Motorcycle Safety manager, said a rider is assessed three points on his base-driving record. Each offense thereafter is worth an additional three points. When a driver reaches six points, his record is reviewed by the 72nd Security Forces Squadron. If a driver reaches 12 points in a year, driving privileges are suspended for one year. If a rider obtains 18 points in two years, driving privileges are also suspended for one year. If an active duty motorcycle rider is caught driving off-base in apparel that is not consistent with Air Force and DOD regulations, he can be reported to a supervisor and disciplined. Bottom-line, each and every Tinker motorcyclist must wear the required gear on base and military personnel must wear it every time they ride, on or off base, officials said. "Even the best motorcyclist is at the mercy of every other driver on the road," Mr. Smith said. "Your best bet is to be seen by that other vehicle every time."