Army launches Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month campaign

By Erica Davis, Communication, Public Affairs, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, Fort Novosel, AlabamaMay 2, 2023

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. ─ A communications campaign focused on Army motorcycle mishap trends and related loss prevention launches next week to coincide with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May.

The campaign, featuring news articles, leader talking points, graphics, posters, and public service announcements, will be available on the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center website at https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/PMV-2-Motorcycles.

“We’re excited to provide these resources for leaders, safety professionals, riders, and non-riders across the Army as the weather warms up and riding season gets underway,” said Brig. Gen. Gene Meredith, commanding general at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center and director of Army Safety. “We encourage leaders at all levels to share this information within their commands and particularly with first-line supervisors.”

Leader engagement is critical, as is arming them with information and guidance they can use to save lives — not just during May, but throughout the year.

“Although motorcycle mishaps are currently down for FY23, the goal is always zero losses,” said USACRC Command Sgt. Maj. James Light. “If leaders do not focus their attention on Soldier riders at the start of riding season, the number of mishaps could rise significantly.”

“These campaign materials are based on our most recent data and specifically targeted to the Army’s problem areas,” Light said. “First-line leaders, who know their Soldiers best and can have the greatest impact off duty, have an awesome opportunity to really engage their Soldiers on motorcycle safety here. It’s already packaged and ready to go with the click of a button.”

In addition to the USACRC website, campaign products will be released weekly on the organization’s social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Meredith encouraged users to check these venues frequently for motorcycle safety information and more.

“We’re working hard to give our audiences the information they need to stay safe in everything they do, both on and off duty,” he said.