A commander’s tool to improve on- and off-duty driving skills and reduce mishaps
USACRC Army News RDT 211214.pdf [PDF - 362.4 KB]
The Army’s Remedial Driver Training (RDT) program remains one of the most valuable tools commanders have to reduce on- and off-duty driving mishaps, which potentially result in the loss of life and degraded unit readiness.
Private motor vehicle (PMV) mishaps remain the greatest killer of Soldiers. According to U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center (USACRC) FY21 statistics, 86 Soldiers died in off-duty mishaps of which 73, or 85%, were PMV related.
PMV mishaps result in more Soldier fatalities than any other type of mishap — during the holiday period and year-round. With an annual average of 60 Soldiers’ lives lost to PMV mishaps over the past five years, independent studies have shown RDT to be effective in reducing vehicle collisions by 64 to 74%. Preventing motor vehicle mishaps preserves valuable resources while protecting Soldiers.
“We see the RDT program as one of the single-most valuable tools commanders have to improve driving proficiencies and reduce losses in their formations, said Brig. Gen. Andrew C. Hilmes, Commanding General of the USACRC, and Director of Army Safety. “Over the past two years, more than 3,000 Soldiers have undergone the training. I would like to see us double that in the next two years. If we do, I’m confident we’ll reduce vehicle mishaps that are killing our Soldiers and degrading our units.”
RDT is an eight-hour classroom course addressing the root causes of aggressive driving. Provided via contractor at installations, the training combines instruction, skits, games, videos, student-instructor interaction and student-student interaction to help drivers acknowledge their negative driving habits and attitudes.
The program provides driver improvement and remedial training for military or civilian personnel convicted of a moving traffic violation or determined to be at fault for a traffic mishap while operating a government motor vehicle. Commanders can also refer “high-risk” Soldiers to attend the course. The goal is to give students a toolkit to change their behavior and decision-making processes behind the wheel.
“Better, more aware vehicle operators, whether behind the wheel of their personal motor vehicles or operating a HMMWV or HEMMT, bring immeasurable value to their units and help to maintain Army readiness,” Hilmes said.
Units and organizations are encouraged to include RDT as part of their mishap prevention efforts. Unit leaders seeking to obtain RDT training for their Soldiers should contact their garrison safety office or sign up using AIRS at https://imc.army.mil/airs/default.aspx.
For more information on Army mishap statistics or the Army Safety and Occupational Health Program, visit https://safety.army.mil.
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