Hill AFB hosts annual 'See Me, Save Me' ride

  • Published
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Motorists across Davis and Weber County are likely to see a large group of motorcyclists lined up and riding the streets June 12.

The fifth annual See Me, Save Me campaign ride will stage at the Hill Motorcycle Safety Training Range (east of the South Gate Visitor's Center) at 10:30 a.m., head out the Roy Gate at approximately 11 a.m., ride a circular route through local communities and finish at the Hill Aerospace Museum.

A number of community leaders and the Utah Jazz Bear are on tap to participate in the ride. All off-base riders who would like to join the campaign ride may stage at the Hill Aerospace Museum at 10:45 a.m. and join the group as it leaves the Roy Gate.

"The purpose of the ride is to motivate motorists to take a second look, specifically for motorcyclists and smaller traffic, and to share the road with the smaller traffic including bicyclists and pedestrians," said Allan Woods, Hill AFB's Motorcycle Safety Program Manager. "In the past, the ride has been very popular, and we welcome all riders to join our campaign. There is great strength in numbers."

Local law enforcement and Utah Highway Patrol will escort the riders, and will close intersections as the ride progresses.

According to Utah Department of Public Safety there were 30 motorcycle crashes resulting in 31 deaths across the state in 2013. The Air Force Safety Center reported the Air Force has experienced eight motorcycle fatalities to date in 2014. During fiscal year 2013 the Air Force had 18 fatalities.

Woods encourages every motorcyclist to ride defensively and to make sure that motorists see them, not taking it for granted that just because they are in motorists' line of sight that they are seen.

The following are tips for driving around motorcycles provided by the Utah Department of Public Safety:
  • Check your blind spots - really check. If a vehicle can disappear in your blind spot, a motorcycle can really disappear.
  • Don't tailgate motorcycles - they can stop faster than a car.
  • Use extra caution at intersections - many motorcycles are hit by vehicles when they're turning, both left and right. Look, and then look again.
  • Focus on the road -- distractions can be deadly for you and other roadway users.
"Motorcyclists are also encouraged to take refresher courses," said Woods. "Older motorcyclists are more often involved in fatal accidents, although those aged 20-23 are the highest age group involved in any type of accident."

"We're never too old to become lifelong learners," Woods added.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation training is normally offered several times a month by local vendors throughout the area. Hill AFB offers MSF courses for base employees. Information on courses offered on base can be obtained by contacting the Installation Motorcycle Program Manager at hill.mc.pgm.mgr@us.af.mil. MSF Courses are available off-base through the Utah Rider Education at www.utahridered.com and the Salt Lake Community College at www.utahmotorcycletraining.com.