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<p>Motorcycle safety is a huge issue in the military. Last month I participated in the Army Safety Coordinating Panel led by the LTG Campbell, Director of the Army Staff and the DASA for Environment, Safety and Health. All the Major Commanders from the Pentagon and around the world (including Iraq) were either there or hooked up via satellite and the Under Secretary of the Army key noted the meeting. A major topic of the meeting was POV, especially motorcycle accidents. </p>
<p>There are a lot of safety topics in the Army, but this is one that the leadership focuses on every time. While motorcycle safety has been on the radar screen of the Army for a number of years now, it remains a priority for every commander. In fact, in the Army, motorcycle deaths are actually down – with the number of motorcycles going up as gas prices go up. And remember, the Army has more new recruits every year than the entire United States Marine Corps has marines. So, this is a huge challenge and a very significant accomplishment.</p>
<p>The Army has developed a number of practices to improve safety, including mandatory safety training for all personnel (enlisted and officers) with motorcycles permitted on post as well as a network of very active riding clubs that stress safety as part of their mission. A good example of the type of leadership that has led to this improvement is that the Sergeant Major of the Army, who is an avid rider himself, has a motorcycle safety session at every post he visits. </p>
<p>It’s a tragedy when even one soldier, marine, sailor or airman dies in an accident. Its also, it is just like the press to find a bad news story as opposed to a good news story.</p>