Thursday, February 14, 2013
What is it?
The Travel Risk Planning System, commonly known as TRiPS, is an online, automated risk assessment tool developed to help commanders and leaders mitigate risk and reduce fatalities among personnel driving a private motor vehicle or motorcycle outside their local area.
What has Army Safety done?
Army Regulation 385-10, The Army Safety Program, requires that Soldiers complete a TRiPS assessment when traveling outside the local area on leave, pass, permanent change of station or official travel. Department of the Army Civilians are required to complete an assessment prior to official travel or PCS.
Through TRiPS, users respond to a series of standard questions based on their vehicle type and other travel data. The system then calculates risk levels and presents the user with actual reports from accidents that occurred under similar circumstances, followed by possible mitigation strategies. A final risk calculation is performed according to selected mitigation measures, and the user is presented with supplemental materials including driving directions and a map to his or her destination. The assessment is then submitted to the user’s supervisor for approval.
What does Army Safety have planned for the future?
TRiPS was recently upgraded with an improved motorcycle section and space for digital comments, plus the addition of a digitally signable AKO MyForms DA-31 leave form and safety banners relevant to specific assessments. Program managers are also refining requirements for a significant upgrade that will increase the system’s capabilities as a true trip planning tool. Input from customers in the field has been instrumental in refining the system, and users are encouraged to submit their comments at https://safety.army.mil.
Why is this important to the Army?
During fiscal 2012, only 19 percent of active-duty Army PMV fatalities occurring more than 150 miles from home station were on TRiPS-assessed travel. Since its inception, Soldiers have completed more than 9.2 million TRiPS assessments, all instrumental in reducing fatalities. All branches of the U.S. armed forces have adopted TRiPS, recognizing its ability to promote engagement between leaders and subordinates regarding driving safety. This interaction is vital in saving lives and preventing needless accidents everywhere the Army operates.
Resources:
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