The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently released accident statistics for the first quarter of fiscal [year] 2013, and the data shows a continued overall decline in both on- and off-duty accidental deaths.
Fiscal 2012 was the Army’s safest year since Sept. 11, 2001, and the third-safest year on record. Fatal accidents have remained steady or declined every year since fiscal 2007.
“Our leaders and Soldiers are continuing to do a remarkable job regarding safety,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy Edens, director of Army Safety and commanding general, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center. “This downward trend in accidental fatalities is one of the longest that’s ever been sustained in our Army, and it’s never been done during ongoing combat operations.
“As our non-deployed population increases with the drawdown in combat deployments, engaged peers and leaders at all levels will be more vitally important than ever.”
Off duty, accidental deaths remained stable with last year’s first quarter figures. Fatal PMV-4 accidents were down slightly, as were on-duty fatalities resulting from accidents. Aviation saw the largest decrease, with no accidental fatalities recorded during the quarter. Five Soldiers died in aviation accidents during the first quarter of fiscal 2012.
Combined, fatal accidents were down 17 percent at quarter’s end from the same timeframe in fiscal 2012.
Although the Army is poised to repeat this success during the second quarter, USACR/Safety Center Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Stidley urged all leaders, especially junior noncommissioned officers, to stay on top of what their Soldiers are doing.
“We’re coming into that time of year where Soldiers will be eager to get on the road, whether in their cars or on their motorcycles,” Stidley said. “First-line leaders will have the most influence in making sure their troops are ready, which is especially important for Soldiers who might need a reintroduction to safe riding after the lull of winter.”
The Army Safe Spring Campaign, an annual effort designed to raise awareness of driving hazards and other seasonal safety issues, will be released Feb. 28 at https://www.safety.army.mil.
