Wednesday, Jun. 29, 2011

CG safety message

The approaching 4th of July weekend will provide all of us with an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy a well-deserved extended holiday weekend. This popular holiday is usually associated with increased highway traffic. Privately owned vehicle and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of accident related fatalities within the US Army. Excessive speed and driving under the influence are the most common factors associated with these accidents. With this in mind, I ask each of you to exercise caution and stay alert. All vehicle occupants need to wear their seat belts and motorcyclists need to wear all required personal protective equipment.

Recreational activities are another leading source of injuries and fatalities during this holiday period. Fatalities resulting from water activities rank second to automobile accidents, among these, boating accidents account for the majority of these accidents.

Capsizing and falling overboard are most common occurrences. Not wearing life jackets, excessive speed, inexperienced operators, and alcohol are most common causation factors in these accidents. The tragedy is that most of these deaths could have been prevented had the victims followed safe boating practices and had been wearing a life jacket.

Finally, I ask each of you to consider the consequences of over consumption of alcohol in all activities, and if you do drink, Do Not Drive, and have a designated driver. If you are traveling over 100 miles, you are required to go online and complete Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS), https://trips.safety.army.mil/ako auth/TRIPS/default.aspx.

Prior to the holiday I expect Commanders, Directors and Leaders at all levels to prepare their people for the holiday. Safety briefings, vehicle safety inspections and engaged leaders are keys to our success. Let’s all do our part to make this a safe and enjoyable holiday.

I encourage all members of the Fort Benning Community to take advantage of this extended holiday weekend to relax and spend some quality time with friends and family. Have a great holiday weekend and enjoy a safe and accident free summer. Together our teamwork, discipline, standards, and safety make Fort Benning the best place to live and work.

-- Maj. Gen. Robert Brown Fort Benning commanding general