Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

Mandatory Motorcycle Safety Training for Fort Benning Personnel

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The US Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) has introduced a new motorcycle safety policy, effective April 25, requiring all military riders at Fort Benning to undergo mandatory training, regardless of whether they bring their motorcycles on post. This change follows a serious motorcycle accident involving Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Smith, who suffered a severe injury, including an amputated leg and partial paralysis. A five-year analysis of motorcycle accidents at Fort Benning highlights indiscipline, overconfidence, and aggressive speed as top factors and causes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new policy requires all military riders at Fort Benning to undergo mandatory motorcycle safety training, even if they do not bring their motorcycles on post.
  • This policy change comes after a serious motorcycle accident involving Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Smith, who suffered a severe injury, including an amputated leg and partial paralysis.
  • A five-year analysis of motorcycle accidents at Fort Benning lists indiscipline, overconfidence, and aggressive speed as top factors and causes.
  • The MCoE and Fort Benning Motorcycle Safety Program includes mandatory training, leader mentorship, and reinforcement of Soldiers' personal responsibility to ride safely.
  • Sgt. Smith's motorcycle accident occurred on April 4, when he was traveling at an estimated speed of over 100 mph and struck another vehicle that was attempting to turn left off Route 165.
  • At least one passer-by helped at the scene, and another Soldier applied a tourniquet to Smith's damaged leg, potentially saving his life.
  • The accident resulted in Smith's injuries, including a collapsed and bruised lung, multiple broken ribs, a broken shoulder, damaged diaphragm, bruised kidney and liver, and possible spinal injury.
  • Smith remains in an Atlanta rehabilitation center, and the company has not received an update on his condition since early May.

Statistics:

  • The new policy will affect all military riders at Fort Benning, who will be required to undergo mandatory motorcycle safety training.
  • Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Smith suffered a severe injury, including an amputated leg and partial paralysis, in the motorcycle accident on April 4.
  • The five-year analysis of motorcycle accidents at Fort Benning lists indiscipline, overconfidence, and aggressive speed as top factors and causes.
  • At least one passer-by helped at the scene, and another Soldier applied a tourniquet to Smith's damaged leg, potentially saving his life.
  • Smith's injuries included a collapsed and bruised lung, multiple broken ribs, a broken shoulder, damaged diaphragm, bruised kidney and liver, and possible spinal injury.

Sources:

  • Policy Memorandum 385-10-5, dated April 25
  • "Army.mil" (http://www.army.mil/)

Read more