POV Safety

• POV Accident Prevention Program
• Driver Distractions Presentation
• Cell Phone Use
• Winter Driving

Six Point Program

The director of army safety has developed a model POV safety program. I am directing that this Six Point Program be used in every unit. It is the minimum standard. the model POV safety program requires:

1. Command Emphasis: positive leadership at all levels is imperative. Leader emphasis on POV safety must be unrelenting. Our junior officers and non-commissioned officers see their Soldiers every day. They should know where their Soldiers go, what they do, and then assert positive influence on how, when, and where they operate their POV’s.
2. Discipline: Our junior leaders work with their Soldiers daily and know them well. Soldiers sometimes telegraph signals that translate later into accidents. Negative behavior such as traffic offenses, alcohol abuse, misconduct, and poor performance often are indicators of potential POV accident victims. Identify "at risk" Soldiers; counsel them; take proactive measures to modify their risky behavior.
3. Use risk management. Identify hazards associated with POV operations; assess the hazards; make decisions to control them; implement the controls; and supervise execution. The director of army safety has prepared a POV risk management toolbox for commanders and leaders. This toolbox provides a comprehensive set of tools and controls that have proved successful throughout our army. The toolbox is available here. Use it. Make it available to leaders at all levels.
4. Standards: Set high and unmistakable standards. Enforce them. Follow army regulatory traffic standards. Be uncompromising on the use of seatbelts and motorcycle safety equipment. Educate Soldiers on the risks of speed, fatigue and use of alcohol. Conduct mandatory POV safety inspections and random roadside checks. Emphasize the use of designated drivers for social events.
5. Provide Alternatives: Provide alternatives for Soldiers to driving POV’s. Schedule activities on post to keep Soldiers on post and off the road. Keep gyms, recreation centers and other places Soldiers use off-duty open later. These same measures also can provide alternatives to alcohol use. Look for transportation alternatives as well. Promote use of alternate transportation methods to POV use. Prominently post public transportation schedules. Where possible, use morale, welfare, and recreation (DMWR) services to provide buses or vans to transport Soldiers to the places they go when off-duty. Arrange reduced hotel rates in nearby communities to encourage Soldiers to remain overnight on weekends and stay off the highways late at night.
6. Commander's Assessment: Following every fatal and serious injury POV accident, commanders will conduct an assessment of the accident with the involved Soldier's chain of command. Determine what happened, why it happened, and how it could have been prevented. Implement corrective and preventive measures. Publicize lessons learned.