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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - The holiday season is time for Marines and sailors to enjoy their well-deserved time off celebrating alongside friends and family. During this extended period of liberty, it is important for service members to be mindful of the dangers and risks that go along with it and to ensure that safety doesn’t take a holiday.
According to the Provost Marshal’s Accident Investigation Division, a significant rise in traffic accidents and collisions on-base has been noticed over the past year due to distracted drivers and drivers paying less attention to their surroundings.
"Driver distraction is the leading factor in traffic accidents,” said Capt. Benjamin Gutek, Operations Officer, Provost Marshal’s Office. “To be a safe driver involves clear judgment, concentration and time to react. While traveling to or from work, be aware of your surroundings, eliminate distractions by getting organized before you depart and keep in mind the faster you travel the more following or stopping distance you'll need.”
In research AID conducted, drivers who make one claim, end up paying an average of 41 percent more for car insurance. It is not just safer to pay more attention to one’s surrounding while operating a vehicle; it is also going to equal to substantial savings on increased insurance costs.
According to the Combat Center Safety Division, fatigued driving and drunk driving are also among some of the most prominent dangers that Marines and sailors face during the holiday season. Before going on liberty, planning ahead can make the difference in a potentially dangerous situation.
“Marines tend to have most issues with fatigue driving when they are returning from the liberty period,” said Bob Piirainen, traffic safety program manager, Combat Center Safety Division. “It’s important to get rest before driving and if necessary, to spend a little extra money on a hotel room to ensure you are rested for the drive back to base. Before you begin drinking, ensure you have a designated driver and have an Arrive Alive Card. Utilizing the buddy system and appointing a designated driver can help to mitigate those risks.”
The Combat Center Safety Division hosts classes such as the Defensive Driving Course Alive at 25 to help improve Marines’ driving habits. In addition, these courses serve to inform Marines of the repercussions of their actions to ensure that they understand how their conduct can affect their careers.
“Think about the consequences before you act,” Piirainen said. “Every year during these longer holidays it comes with a rise in [driving under the influence] and other incidents. One bad decision can end your career.”
| Date Taken: | 11.25.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2015 12:35 |
| Story ID: | 182873 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, No holiday for safety, by Cpl Julio McGraw and Sgt Levi Schultz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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