Army Ground Risk Risk Management Publication, Countermeasures. Vol. 19, No. 11

Year after year, more soldiers are killed in privately-owned vehicle POV mishaps than in all other Army accidents. Army accident records reveal the grim truth soldiers continue to ignore speed limits, shrug off the zzz-monster of fatigue, travel too fast for weather and road conditions, leave seatbelts unbuckled, and yes - continue to mix alcohol with car keys. Despite knowing what the major accident causes are, POV accidents continue to kill our soldiers. Any commander who has experienced the loss of a soldier understands that he has lost an important member of the Army family. He is often left with the question, Did I do enough to prevent this from happening There are many good programs that leaders can establish to keep high-risk drivers under control. Designated driver programs and unit on-the-spot safety inspections are good starting points. But just identifying hazards wont save a soldiers life. Leader involvement is key in gaining control and stopping this tragic loss of life. General Dennis J. Reimer, Army Chief of Staff, has directed that commanders and leaders use the following six-point model POV Safety Program in every unit Command Emphasis. Know your soldiers - assert positive, hands-on leadership on how, when, and where soldiers operate their POVs. Standards. Set and enforce high standards. Provide Alternatives. Provide soldiers some alternatives rather than driving POVs. Discipline. Conduct a records inspection to identify high-risk soldiers and take proactive measures to modify their risky behavior. Risk Management. Use the POV Toolbox to inculcate proactive risk-control measures. The toolbox is available at hftpsafety.army.mil Commanders Assessment. Assess every POV fatality and serious injury accident with the chain of command. Remember that your safety and well-being are important to us here at the Safety Center, as well as the Army and our nation.