Military and Civilian Traffic Safety Groups Meet

5/10/2007 -- NORFOLK (NNS) -- Representatives from the Naval Safety Center, various commands in the Norfolk area, and civilian groups met on May 3 to discuss local traffic safety issues.

The groups attending the meeting included Virginia’s Checkpoint Strikeforce, Drive Smart Virginia, Virginia Highway Safety Office, Naval Station Norfolk Brig, Naval Safety Center, Fleet Forces Command, Portsmouth Naval Hospital and base police officers and safety personnel from Norfolk, Little Creek and Oceana.

“Local news groups are quick to report that a Sailor was involved in a crash or killed someone in a crash,” said Mary Ann Rayment, program manager and occupant protection coordinator, Virginia DMV Safe Communities Program. “But they never say road-builder, housewife or laborer.”

That image and the steps to improve traffic safety were key parts of this fifth annual gathering.

“I think this gathering is great,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Mike Soucy from the Norfolk Brig. “It allows everyone to see what each is doing on or off base. The problems are similar, and we can learn from one another. Consistency is important.”

The meeting did touch on relevant subjects where the military and civilian communities can work together such as, the upcoming “Click It or Ticket” campaign, alcohol and traffic checkpoints, and drug and alcohol prevention and enforcement.

“Drunk driving is a big deal,” said Engineman 1st Class (SW) James Elgin. “I see these Sailors in the brig, and it’s important for our people to know how bad it is. They need to know the consequences of a bad decision. This meeting allowed me to see and hear about ongoing programs that might make a difference.”

Marie Parker, alcohol and drug control officer at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, was blunt in her presentation on Navy efforts to reduce alcohol-related incidents. She urged local police and court systems not to give Sailors a “free ride.”

“We want enforcement,” said Parker. “We want police and judges to treat our people like anyone else in the community. And our people must realize that they can face the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) and then face punishment in the civilian system. We need and want change.”

For more information on traffic safety efforts, visit the Naval Safety Center Web site at www.safetycenter.navy.mil. Check out the current mishaps, statistics, traffic-safety toolbox, and the new Critical Days of Summer page.

Source: US Navy