Traffic Safety Strategies

1
Convoy Safety
Vehicle Accidents Major Losses In OIF/OEF
Convoys Have Been A Focus of Enemy Attacks
Balance FORCE PROTECTION and SAFETY
2
Convoy Operations Risk Management

• Weve heard the Buzz and News Reports. BUT, What
  are the risks?  What is killing and Injuring
  soldiers in convoys?
• Enemy
• IEDs
• Ambush
• Accidents w/ Collisions and Rollovers
• Trauma/being crushed
• Drowning

3
Convoy Safety
4
Convoy Operations Risk Management

• Conduct Risk Management
• Include Route and Terrain Analysis before each
  mission.
• Understand the vehicle capabilities specified
  in the TM and published Safety Messages.
• Don't drive too fast for the road and weather
  conditions.
• Wear seatbelts and Kevlar/CVC helmets.
• Vehicle Commanders/Gunners ride under nametag
  defilade to the extent possible.
• Learn the individual vehicle TMs, TCs, and Safety
  Messages that address rollovers for each specific
  vehicle in your inventory.  A couple of examples
  are
• Ground Precautionary Message (GPM)
  TACOM-WRN-Control Number GPM-00-005 Subject
  Implementation of Crew Drill, Bradley Rollover
  Procedures
• ARTEP 19-100-10 for HMMWVs
• Conduct rollover drills. 

Bottom Line First Line Supervisor Ensure
Soldiers are Adhering to Standards.
5
Convoy Operations Risk Management

• Commanders and leaders should consider the
  following actions to prevent rollover incidents
• Ensure convoy speeds are established and
  disseminated
• Ensure senior occupants understand their
  responsibilities as outlined in AR 600-55. 
  Specifically
• Enforcing speed restrictions
• Enforcing use of restraint devices
• Assisting the driver in identifying road hazards
• Ensuring drivers keep the proper distance
  interval between vehicles
• Ensure drivers are trained in accident avoidance,
  hands-on skills improvement (e.g., Advanced
  Skills Driver Training), and local area hazards
• Crew selection - Pair inexperienced operators
  with experienced operators

Bottom Line First Line Supervisors must Ensure
Soldiers are Adhering to Standards.
6
Convoy Safety

• EMERGENCY ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• WARNING
• Army tactical wheeled vehicles are not designed
  with rollover protection as a primary
  requirement. At the first sign of a vehicle
  rollover, occupants should immediately brace for
  impact. As a precaution, ensure all loose items
  and equipment, which can cause severe injury or
  death, are firmly secured prior to movement.

7
Convoy Safety

• ROLLOVER PREVENTIVE MEASURES
• Driver Training. Start by training your
  drivers in the six important factors that can
  affect vehicle stability. These six factors are
  
• Vehicle Center of Gravity.
• Load Security.
• Radius of Curves and Slope of Roadways.
• Vehicle Speed
• adjusted to environmental/road conditions.
• Trailer Towing.
• Vehicle Condition and Preparation.

8
Convoy Safety

• Vehicle Control Factors
• Vehicle Center of Gravity. The height of a
  vehicle's center of gravity and the length of the
  wheelbase determine the vehicle's stability.
• (2) Load Security. Improperly secured loads can
  change a vehicle's center of gravity and its
  stability. Bulk tank trucks are inherently less
  secure because fluids can surge when trucks brake
  or go around curves, thereby altering the center
  of gravity. Also, a vehicle loaded with
  containers will have a higher center of gravity.
  Additionally, it is important that payloads are
  secured as closely as possible to the lateral
  centerline of the truck or trailer bed. If the
  payload is not centered properly, the vehicle
  stability will not be equivalent when turning to
  both the right and left. See Figures next slide
• (3) Radius of Curves and Slope of Roadways.
  These are important because they generate a
  centrifugal force that acts sideways on the
  vehicle, thereby decreasing vehicle stability.

9
Convoy Safety
10
Convoy Safety
Load Distribution Examples
11
Convoy Safety

• Vehicle Control Factors
• (4) Vehicle Speed.
• As the vehicle's speed increases, the centrifugal
  force, or sideways force increases. Faster
  speeds also result in decreased driver response
  times. Speed is the factor over which the driver
  can exercise the most control. When maneuvering
  through curves or sudden traffic situations, a
  vehicle with a high center of gravity can easily
  turn over.
• Speed is even more important when the movement of
  liquid cargo is "in phase" with the vehicle's
  maneuver. If the liquid is on one side during
  the first curve, then shifts to the other side
  during the next curve, the liquid is positioned
  to shift back to the first side with four times
  the side force it had during the initial curve.
• Sudden vehicle maneuvers are especially risky
  because the combination of speed and load shift
  makes the vehicle unstable.
• This is probably the most important factor
  contributing to vehicle instability because it
  magnifies problems presented by the first three
  factors.

12
Convoy Safety

• Vehicle Control Factors
• (5) Trailer Towing.
• Vehicles towing trailers are much more prone to
  roll over, especially in curves and during sudden
  steering maneuvers, as a result of the
  exaggerated motion of the trailer.
• (6) Vehicle Condition and Preparation.
• It is critical the vehicle is in good operating
  condition before starting your mission, with
  particular attention paid to the tires condition
  and air pressure. Properly performed PMCS is the
  best way to control this potential hazard.

13
Convoy Safety

• Risk Management Control Measures.
• Every driver can take eight basic steps to
  prevent or reduce the potential for rollovers.
• Adjust the vehicle speed to allow a "Speed
  Cushion" for maneuvering (at least 10 MPH below
  the posted speed limit is recommended when
  approaching a curve).
• Slow down and downshift early. Do not shift in
  the curve.
• Observe speed limit and check speedometer to
  ensure that your vehicle is below the posted
  speed.
• Do not rely on a "seat of the pants" sense to
  judge speed and vehicle maneuverability. New
  suspensions and chassis set-ups give a false
  sense of control.
• Slowly accelerate out of the curve.
• Maintain a "Space Cushion" (distance between your
  vehicle and other traffic) so that you have a
  safe maneuvering speed to compensate for errors
  in judgment, weather, road conditions, and poor
  driving by other motorists.
• Avoid the temptation to brake hard if the rear of
  the vehicle or trailer slides out. Instead, if
  there is clearance, attempt to apply steady
  throttle, allowing the vehicle to straighten
  itself. Braking will accelerate the skid,
  contributing to loss of control and rollover.
• Risk Management Procedures. Personnel are
  required to wear seatbelts. All US Army
  personnel should follow unit standard operating
  procedures/tactical standard operating procedures
  and be in proper uniform when operating or riding
  as a passenger in military vehicles. It is
  recommended when operating tactical military
  vehicles in off-road conditions during field
  training, drivers training, and tactical
  operations that the Kevlar helmet be worn at all
  times with chin strap properly secured.

NOTE Commanders should include safety tips in
initial and sustainment tactical wheeled vehicle
operator training.
14
Convoy Safety

• WARNING
• Never attempt to leap from a rolling vehicle. It
  may roll over you. Ensure that the vehicle has
  stopped its roll before moving. Upon complete
  evacuation of all personnel, vehicle should be
  inspected for fire hazards such as leaking oil,
  fuel, and hydraulic fluid. Use the portable fire
  extinguisher when inspecting vehicle for leaks in
  case of fire, which could cause injury or death.
  If hazardous/explosive materials are involved,
  driver should take actions according to the DD
  Form 836 accompanying load. Notify emergency
  response personnel and remain at evacuation
  distance while securing accident site.

15
Convoy Safety

• Wheeled Vehicle
• ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• The driver and passengers MUST wear seat belts
  (if equipped).
• The senior occupant is responsible for ensuring
  all personnel, riding in or on a vehicle, are
  wearing seatbelts (if equipped) and that all
  required equipment inside the vehicle is properly
  stored and secured.
• The senior occupant must ensure that all
  personnel are checked for injuries and injured
  personnel are given emergency first aid as
  needed.
• All sensitive items are to be secured, and the
  accident reported immediately.
• The first soldier to notice vehicle beginning to
  rollover should shout ROLLOVER!

16
Convoy Safety

• Wheeled Vehicle
• ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• When rollover is imminent the driver performs the
  following
• (1) Release the accelerator.
• (2) Keep hands on the steering wheel with
  extended but not locked arms, tucks head and chin
  into chest and braces for an impact.
• (3) Yell ROLLOVER!

17
Convoy Safety

• Wheeled Vehicle
• ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• When the vehicle is stabilized the driver
  performs the following
• (1) Shut down the engine.
• (2) Check for injuries.
• (3) Identify an evacuation route.
• (4) Retrieve fire extinguisher.
• (5) Exit the vehicle.
• (6) Check for fire and fuel leaks or spills.
• (7) Attempt to contain fire and /or fuel
  leaks/spills.
• (8) Account for occupants and sensitive items.
• (9) Seek medical attention, as needed.
• (10) Radio for help.

18
Convoy Safety

• Wheeled Vehicle
• ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• When the vehicle is stabilized the passenger(s)
  perform the following
• (1) Check for injuries.
• (2) Exit the vehicle.
• (3) Account for personnel and sensitive items.
• (4) Seek medical attention, as required.
• (5) Assist the driver.

19
Convoy Safety

• LEADER ACTIONS There are many good programs
  leaders can establish to reduce accident risk.
  Designated-driver programs and unit on-the-spot
  safety inspections are good starting points.
• a. Commanders should
• Know their soldiers.
• Require disciplined, legal behavior.
• Conduct individual soldier risk assessments
  (see format on page 3-10).
• Provide incentives for safe performance.
• Provide accident avoidance and remedial driver
  training programs.
• Hold subordinate leaders accountable for leader
  intervention.
• b. Squad leaders and Platoon Sergeants are
  the first line of defense. They should
• Know their soldiers driving habits.
• Ensure that deficiencies identified in vehicle
  inspections are corrected and
• then re-inspect.
• Recommend when driving privileges should be
  revoked.
• Counsel individuals on the repercussions of
  unsafe driving.
• Conduct periodic tailgate safety briefings to
  small groups.
• Encourage soldiers to look out for each other.

20
Convoy Safety

• Wheeled Vehicle
• ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• When the rollover is imminent the passenger(s)
  performs the following
• (1) Tuck head and chin into chest and braces for
  impact.
• (2) Plant feet firmly on the floor while holding
  onto a stationary object.
• (3) Yell ROLLOVER!

21
NAMETAG DEFILADE   Within the last year, two
soldiers have died in accidents because they were
not following established procedures during the
operation of a combat vehicle. In the first
accident, a M1A1 tank commander (TC) lost his
life when his tank slid off a concrete turn pad
and rolled over, crushing the TC in the process.
While there are other factors involved in this
accident, the TC was not at nametag defilade.
The second accident occurred when a Bradley
commander, standing waist defilade in the
commanders hatch, received a fatal blow to the
face from a tree limb that was 22 inches in
circumference. Had this soldier been at nametag
defilade, the branch would have passed harmlessly
over his head rather than crushing it.
Interviews conducted by the accident
investigation teams in both accidents revealed
that the soldiers in both units involved knew the
standard of nametag defilade when standing in the
hatch of combat vehicles. Furthermore, most
soldiers understood the reasons for maintaining
nametag defilade less exposure to enemy fire and
ease of dropping down in the vehicle while
conducting rollover drills. Despite knowledge of
the standard, leaders in both accidents condoned
the actions of the vehicle commanders who failed
to maintain the nametag defilade standard.
This hazard is not unique to M1 series tanks and
Bradley fighting vehicles. This same hazard can
pose serious risk to soldiers operating trucks
with ring mounted weapons, HMMWVs with
pintle-mounted weapons, FAASVs, M109s, recovery
vehicles and many other tracked / wheeled
vehicles. Leaders at all levels must identify
the risk associated with soldiers standing in the
hatches of vehicles and strictly enforce the
nametag defilade standard. Furthermore, vehicle
occupants and crews must rehearse rollover drills
to the point where it becomes second nature for
the soldiers standing in hatches to drop down and
brace for a rollover situation. The nametag
defilade standard is as old as tracked vehicles
themselves, but still requires constant
enforcement by leaders at all levels. Strict
enforcement of the nametag defilade standard WILL
save our soldiers lives in both combat and
training environments.

JAMES E. SIMMONS

Brigadier General, USA

Director of Army Safety


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22
Convoy Name Tag Defilade
This Gunner is at Risk
23
OUTWARD FACING SEATING
FUEL CAN RACK
FORCE PROTECTION VERSUS SAFETY
GUN MOUNTS
TCP DEVICES
Use Composite Risk Management
24
VEHICLE SEATING REDESIGN Centerline Seating
Example of Composite Risk Management
25
Convoy - Centerline Troop Seats
(Shown on 5T Cargo Truck)

• Uses existing seats for installation
• Configuration allows space for equip
• Seats are removable (bolt to bed)
• Soldiers face outward IOT engage
• Seating capacity is the same

• Manufactured w/ locally procured iron
• Relatively inexpensive
• Easy to install
• Minimal changes made to bed of truck

26
Safety/Risk Assessment of Outward Facing Benches
Standard Cargo Vehicle Seating
SOLDIERS STANDING IN VEHICLE IN ORDER TO LOOK
OUT.

• FROM A FORCE PROTECTION STANDPOINT
• Outward seating just makes Sense.
• Mitigates the problems shown on the left.
• FROM A SAFETY STAND POINT
• Soldiers lose ability to have a hand hold (loss
  of side running bar).
• Promotes Staying Seated while increasing Force
  Protection
• FURTHER RECOMMENDATION
• Use rolled canvas top in order to provide
  protection from the sun. Soldiers can still see
  out.
• Add sandbags to bed of truck/metal plates to
  side.
• Use, evaluate, try to provide hand hold (5/50
  cord?)
• Use slat type seats or pad the seats for long
  distances.
• Add head support bar across top.

Only the GUNNER has ability to return fire
effectively.
SOLDIERS NOT MAINTAINING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
27
Convoy Safety Lessons Learned

• Further Recommendations
• for Center Line Seating
• Install permanent collapsible seats affixed to
  the center of the truck bed that accommodates
• Seatbelts or Lap belts with shoulder harnesses
  built into the seat.
• A head restraint to help counter whiplash.
• UH-60 style restraint system has been suggested
  as a baseline for design.

28
Convoy Safety Lessons Learned

• ISSUE Numerous wrecks and rollovers have
  occurred during movement through Iraq during
  combat and non-combat operations.
• BACKGROUND Vehicle accidents resulted from
  environmental conditions that drivers were not
  prepared for, such as
• ROUGH TERRAIN CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL THROUGH THE
  DESERT, CREVICES, RAVINES, AND WASHOUTS,
• DUST OBSCURING VISION THE CAUSE FACTORS FOR
  MOST ACCIDENTS WERE
• FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS,
  SPEED LIMITING REACTION TIME,
• LIMITED VISIBILITY (Night and Dust) AND FAILURE
  TO ADJUST VEHICLE SPACING,
• EXTREME DUST CONDITIONS LIMITING VISIBILITY, AND
  EXTENSIVE NIGHT DRIVING
• STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF A DUST CLOUD RESULTING
  IN REAR END COLLISIONS.
• DAYS OF TRAVEL OVER LONG DISTANCES.

29
Convoy Safety Lessons Learned

• DISCUSSION - Accident reports indicate the
  causal factors for most accidents were
• Following too closely for environmental
  conditions,
• Excessive speed limiting reaction time,
• Limited visibility and failure to adjust vehicle
  separation.
• Stopping in the middle of a dust cloud have
  resulted in several rear end collisions.
• Numerous vehicles have rear ended each other or
  rolled over in extreme dust conditions.
• Convoys passing each other creates additional
  dust condition problems.

• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Driving Courses at Training Centers should
  simulate driving conditions found in desert type
  environments.
• Include inflatable/soft vehicles/obstacles that
  will not damage military equipment in the event
  of collisions.
• Master Drivers program should be expanded to
  require soldiers to negotiate courses with field
  representative hazards.
• Once in theater drivers should gain experience
  within base camp surroundings prior to executing
  combat driving (within mission time constraints)
  maximize supervision until experience is gained.

30
INEXPERIENCED DRIVER SPEED, OVER BRAKING LOOSE
CARGO
IMPROPER TOWING PROCEDURES COMBINED WITH SPEED
ACCIDENTS Deaths Injuries
FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE FOR CONDITIONS STOPPING IN
DUST
UNFAMILIAR TERRAIN SPEED
31
Convoy Lessons Learned Spare Tires

• EXTREME TIRE WEAR LEADING TO BLOWOUTS WITHOUT
  SPARE TIRES BEING AVAILABLE.
• BACKGROUND
• Vehicles deployed for operations however, tires
  already exposed to environmental exposures were
  dry-rotting. This resulted ed in premature
  failure and wear out which wasnt visible during
  PMCS.
• RADIAL AND BIAS TIRES are not interchangeable
  this has lead to additional problems.

32
Convoy Lessons Learned Spare Tires

• DISCUSSION
• Extensive mileage was placed on vehicles during
  the conflicts and SASO portions of OIF/OEF.
• Spare tires / Rims availability has been limited
  within theater resulting in vehicles running with
  unserviceable tires. In some cases tires have had
  to be replaced due to the type of tires and
  incompatibility with replacement tires.
• Excessive heat exposure has resulted in
  increased side wall blowouts.
• Vehicles have not been equipped with a means of
  carrying a spare tire.
• Radial tires have proven to be the choice for
  the environment.
• Off-the Shelf replacements have been purchased
  but are often not to military specifications.

33
Convoy Lessons Learned Spare Tires

• Recommendations
• Deploy some vehicles with a spare tire (mounted
  and inflated on a rim) to the extent possible.
• Supplement TMs/Supporting references to add some
  spare tires to the BII Requirements.
• Theater Level Logistics Packages add some spare
  tires (rim mounted) to vehicles, with
  replacement quantities sufficient for mission.
• Equip some convoy vehicles with a roof rack or
  rear end holder for carrying a spare. Note
  Alteration of Center-of-Gravity may alter
  stability to some extent resulting in safety
  risk. Perform Risk Assessment to determine
  acceptability.

34
Convoy Safety
Vehicle Accidents Major Losses In OIF/OEF
Convoys Have Been A Focus of Enemy Attacks
Balance FORCE PROTECTION and SAFETY
Exercise Composite Risk Management
35
Convoy Safety - CLFX

• Convoy Live Fire Training
• Local Training Area Requirements
• SOP Detailing the training
• Risk Assessment required for all phases of the
  training
• Range Record must include the type of weapons,
  caliber, distances and vehicles to be used. (if
  not these need to be evaluated and updated)
• One safety NCO per firer recommended in initial
  live fire phases
• Inherent Safety Risk Combines Vehicles and
  Weapons
• Employ a Crawl-Walk-Run Approach
• Gated-Phased training
• Guidance in AE Pam 350-100 Convoy Operations/
  Convoy Live Fire Program (DRAFT) - Supplements
  Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF
• The safe conduct of soldiers firing weapons and
  pyrotechnics, detonating explosives, and
  maneuvering on ranges is a command responsibility.

36
Convoy Safety - CLFX

• Convoy Live Fire Training
• Initial training conducted at Local Training
  Areas
• Advanced Marksmanship/Reflexive Fire (Table IV)
• Static Vehicle Firing Familiarization (Table VI)
• Dry Fire, then Blanks, then Live Fire
• Requires Weapon Discipline to prevent Negligent
  Discharges or Off Range Rounds.
• Ideal situation is one safety NCO (E4 or higher)
  per firer.
• In the Event of a Negligent Discharge or round
  leaving safe zone All local/associated Range
  Operations will Cease with Report to Range
  Control.
• All incident/accidents will be investigated and
  cleared by range control prior to resuming.
• AE Pam 350-100

Requires High Level of Weapon Discipline
37
Convoy Safety - CLFX

• Convoy Live Fire Training
• Advanced phases of training conducted at
  Grafenwoehr Training Area
• Weapons Discipline is Extremely Important.
• At any time half the weapons may be pointed off
  installation
• The major underlying reasons for errors related
  to all accidents and injuries are
• Lack of self-discipline.
• Failure to enforce standards.
• Inadequate training.
• Failure to follow procedures
• Improper or inadequate clearing
• Untimely loading/unloading
• Personnel in the path of recoil or back-blast
• Fratricide

38
Convoy Safety - CLFX

• Risk Assessment Use FM 100-14, and FM 3-22.9
  for Guidance
• Consider Target Audience i.e., Advanced
  Infantry Based Weapons training for CS/CSS Units.
• High Level of Weapon Discipline Required
• Never point weapons at people unless intent is to
  kill
• Load only on Command
• LTAs Require Special Attention to Weapon
  Discipline due to Area Limitations
• Observe Local Range SOPs/Regulations/Guidance
• Maintain weapons on Safe until ready to fire.
  Pointed Downrange, Finger outside trigger housing
  area.
• Never touch weapons with personnel downrange.
• Maintain Control of Ammunition/Brass
  Issue/Turn-In
• Keep Live and Blank Ammunition Separate
• Clear and Rod weapons prior to leaving firing
  line
• Maintain Medical/Emergency Personnel/Equipment
• Two communications systems
• Police the range when completed.
• Anyone observing unsafe act has responsibility to
  call Cease Fire!
• Treat all weapons as Loaded at ALL times.

39
Convoy Safety

• Convoy Safety/Survivability has become a Focus of
  Army Attention.
• The Enemy has Targeted Convoy Vulnerability.
• With Proper Training we can Eliminate this
  perceived Vulnerability.
• Safe and Effective Training is Key along with
  Composite Risk Management.