Traffic Safety Program (Squadron)
Topic/issue: Traffic Safety (squadron program and indoc)
Source: HSC-2
Description: In FY05, HSC-2 had two Sailors in two different states commit dangerous traffic offenses. One was arrested in Northern Virginia doing 105 mph in a 65 mph zone on I-64. The other Sailor was arrested in northern North Carolina doing 110 mph in a 70 mph on I-85. These two reckless driving incidents, along with numerous other minor to major traffic violations, and severe traffic accidents within the command during late FY04/early FY05, prompted the CO to establish an aggressive traffic safety training and awareness program that included:
- Increased focus on training at indoctrination and during safety stand-downs/GMT’s.
- Stepping up investigations, tracking of data, and trend analysis of all traffic incidents.
- Stiffer and more timely disciplinary action to set example and reinforce policy.
The squadron created and implemented a 20-minute indoctrination presentation on traffic safety that includes awareness of reckless driving, aggressive driving, DUI/DWI, general traffic safety, and extensive coverage of all penalties and punishments on base and in Virginia. The squadron incorporated traffic-safety awareness training into each quarterly safety stand-down, using personnel from local sheriffs and state troopers offices, base safety, and the Naval Safety Center to provide accurate training in lieu of using our own personnel to give lectures. The squadron also implemented a traffic-safety-awareness program that provides squadron members instant access to crucial safety information throughout command spaces and on the local computer network share drive.
On a case-by-case basis depending on severity and probability, the squadron has members who were involved in traffic incidents get up in front of their shipmates at safety stand-down/GMT and tell their stories, focusing on preventable mistakes and what aided their survival. The command strictly enforces members attending the AAA traffic safety class after any traffic violations. The squadron thoroughly investigates all traffic accidents and incidents, then uses this data for trend analysis to target training. They use a local incident/accident reporting system for this purpose, regardless of whether the OPNAVINST 5102.1D requires it to be reported or not.
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