Norfolk, Va. -- The campaign goes beyond private motor vehicles such as automobiles, trucks and motorcycles and includes recreational motorized vehicle safety practices for recreational three- and four-wheelers or all-terrain vehicles (ATV), electric or e-scooters and boating, all of which have higher rates of use as the weather warms up and people start spending more time outside. 

From March through September last year, the Navy and Marine Corps reported 12 automobile accident fatalities including one where an individual was killed by another car after exiting their vehicle. Another eight service members died from motorcycle-related mishaps. Two other service members died in off-duty ATV accidents. With their ease of access and pay by app rental function, e-scooters rose in popularity over the past couple years and with them came reports of e-scooter crashes and injuries. The Navy and Marine Corps had several reports last year of incidents involving e-scooters resulting in fractures, bruises, lacerations and limited duty in some cases.

At the close of the first quarter of FY21, the Navy and Marine Corps reported 11 private motor vehicle fatalities and the Department of Defense reported 52 total military off-duty private motor vehicle fatalities as of April 9, 2021.

The theme for the campaign is ‘You’re the Key’ to remind us that safety on the roads is everyone’s responsibility.

“Each of us plays a critical role in preserving combat readiness and creating a culture of safety awareness and practice,” said Rear Adm. F.R. Luchtman, commander, NAVSAFECEN.

Throughout the campaign NAVSAFECEN will disseminate media and informational products through various platforms to inform Sailors and Marines on specific topics related to motor vehicle safety such as distracted driving, mentorship and accountability for motorcycle riders, ATV and boating safety and the importance of proper vehicle maintenance.

For additional resources on safety awareness, visit the NAVSAFECEN website, https://navalsafetycenter.navy.mil.