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On Nov. 1, military and civilian employees at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) were reminded of the importance of making smart driving decisions during a Street Smart S.A.F.E. presentation. Street Smart was presented by members of Stay Alive from Education (S.A.F.E.), a non-profit organization created by firefighter paramedics in Florida who are dedicated to reducing injuries and fatalities generated by vehicle accidents.
"As SPAWAR employees prepare for the upcoming holiday season, driving safety is incredibly important to keep in mind throughout travel plans," said Bill Griste, director, SPAWAR Operations. "We want all of our employees to return from the holiday season safely and ready for the New Year."
During the Street Smart presentation, presenters David Dittman and Natalie Brown, both firefighter paramedics in Florida, emphasized how important it is to drive smartly and not be distracted behind the wheel.
“Street Smart has traveled overseas and throughout the nation to share our personal experiences with active duty service members, reservists, veterans and civilians,” said Brown. “This program has been ongoing for 20 years and allows attendees to experience first-hand training through the eyes of us … we have been the first responders on deathly and unfortunate scenes.”
Military and civilian employees alike were mesmerized by the videos, photos and real-life stories shared during the presentation.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaime Salgado, assigned to Supply Department at Naval Base Point Loma, attended the presentation and volunteered to assist the firefighter paramedics explain a past incident and personnel injuries.
“I have been in a minor motorcycle accident before,” said Salgado. “Even though the Navy has a great motorcycle safety program that instructs military members about defensive driving and how to wear all the appropriate protective equipment, some accidents are simply unavoidable. Training like the one we received today show that severe accidents can happen to anyone. It is important that we all remember to wear seatbelts, not drink alcohol and drive, and not text while driving.”
Dittman stated that every 12 minutes someone will die in a motor vehicle accident in the United States.
“It’s essential to have a game plan and to exercise common sense,” said Dittman. “We do this training to remind people to think critically about their driving decisions and [not become a statistic].”
"The purpose of the training was to provide an interactive and eye-opening experience for employees," said Griste. "Following the presentation, employees appeared to have a greater appreciation for first responders and better understanding how their own decisions can make a significant difference."
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) is the Navy acquisition command that develops, delivers and sustains advanced information warfare capabilities for our warfighters. SPAWAR, along with its system centers, space field activity and its partnership with three program executive offices, provides the hardware and software needed to execute Navy missions. With nearly 10,000 active duty military and civilian professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, SPAWAR is at the forefront of research, engineering and acquisition, keeping our forces connected around the globe.
For more information about Street Smart S.A.F.E. visit www.safeprogram.com
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.02.2016 11:57 |
| Story ID: | 213605 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, SPAWAR Learns Holiday Season 'S.A.F.E.' Tips, by CDR Dawn Stankus, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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