GOV operator training aimed at reducing accidents

Published Oct. 19, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Any time a government owned vehicle is involved in a mishap, whether it's a minor door dent or a serious crash, Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander, hears about it.

Government vehicle drivers involved in accidents, meeting certain criteria, must appear at his weekly wing standup meeting and brief leadership in the wing on how and why the accident occurred.

This year, there have been too many appearances, too many government owned vehicles involved in mishaps - 19 in all. Now, the 21st Space Wing safety office and the logistics readiness office are developing a training program for everyone who drives a government vehicle.

Currently, the only requirement is a valid state license and the completion of a request form. The training program is expected to be ready for use by the end of the year. There are 281 GOVs in the 21st Space Wing and 1,466 people licensed to drive them. Anyone who currently has a GOV license will have 60 days to take the new training, once it is available.

"This training is an effort to eradicate the types of mishaps this wing is experiencing and will also serve to emphasize the importance of safe vehicle operation at all times," Colonel Whiting wrote in a recent memo outlining the new training.

So far, the GOV-involved mishaps have been minor - struck a rearview mirror, struck a barrier, struck a fire hydrant or a light pole. But, the minor accidents add up in costs. This year, nearly $30,000 in repairs have been made to GOVs and sometimes a vehicle that has been involved in a mishap is out of commission for one to two weeks, said 1st Lt. Leanne Babcock, officer in charge Air Terminal/ADACG operations 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The new GOV Operator Training, which will include a safety video, will emphasize the use of spotters when backing, proper clearing techniques, signals and more, said Tom Quinn, 21st SW ground safety manager. The biggest problem, he said, is inattentive driving.

"Hopefully, this will increase awareness that you are driving a government owned vehicle and you could be held accountable," Mr. Quinn said.

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