Misawa rider's awareness keeps him alive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Derek VanHorn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Only a week ago, one of Misawa's own, Master Sgt. Jason Fosco of the 35th Maintenance Squadron, was only a few feet away from taking his last-ever ride on two wheels.

He was headed to Lake Ogawara for a motorcycle rally and barbecue, and was cutting through Misawa city when he approached an intersection with the right-of-way in his favor. At the same time, a vehicle traveling east neglected to look both ways at the intersection and blew through a stop sign, setting the scene for what looked to be an ugly collision.

Fosco faced a spilt-second decision with two options: Brace for a potentially fatal collision or bail the bike and lay his thousands-of-dollars investment on the tar.

He wisely chose the latter.

"I slid and my front wheel hit his door, spinning my bike and throwing me past the impact point about 15 feet," said Fosco. "Thankfully I had on a thick leather vest, helmet, goggles, gloves and jeans which prevented me from sustaining any significant injuries."

Aside from a bruised and cut ankle and a few other knocks, he walked away fine.

"I can honestly say without the gear I was wearing I would be in significantly worse shape with excruciatingly painful road-rash," Fosco admitted, while also urging all riders to stay alert and always wear protective gear.

After all, equipment can be replaced. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of a person's life.

In the past nine years, 162 Airmen have been killed due to motorcycle mishaps. During that time, more than 2,500 mishaps have occurred across the service. The odds of avoiding the next tragedy aren't in anyone's favor.

Last summer alone, the Air Force was forced to bury nine of its Airmen because of motorcycle accidents. This isn't to say riding can't be enjoyed, but it does take more than just hopping on a bike to be ready for the road.

Motorcycle mentor Tech. Sgt. Maria Martinez, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron, runs the classes and courses on base for all motorcycle riders. She said learning the environment seems to be the most important factor when riding off base in Japan, keeping an eye out on smaller, skinnier roads and being mindful that not all local nationals are accustomed to sharing the road with motorcycles.

Before military members decide to fulfill their thrill on the streets, they must attend and complete Department of Defense-mandated motorcycle training. All first time riders must take a two-day beginner's course, one day in the classroom and the other on the course. More experienced riders who have already completed the Misawa beginner's course will only need to take refresher courses to remain qualified, according to Martinez.

Throughout the past year, the motorcycle course here has been under construction. Martinez said the work is set to be complete in the coming weeks, and classes will start up as soon as the course is painted.

There are 184 registered military riders at Misawa, and regardless of experience, using common sense is critical to keeping everyone alive.

Recently, Misawa riders have been generally safe, at least on paper. There have been no reportable mishaps assigned to the base in more than three years, with the last occurring in April of 2010.

Tech. Sgt. Kevin Dotson, 35th Fighter Wing ground safety, said the kudos goes out to the riding coaches, mentors, commanders, and finally the riders.

A deadly factor growing in numbers that is causal in not only motorcycle fatalities, but in all fatalities: Alcohol.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration website, "Statistics show that the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers on our roads."

It goes without saying that all motorcycle riders should always ride smart and sober.

"People are our most valuable assets and must be preserved during the motorcycle season," said Dotson.