Risk Management Magazine

One day while watching ESPN, I saw a story about an NFL wide receiver who accidentally shot himself in the leg. I wondered how anyone in their right mind could put a bullet in their own leg. I never would have imagined that one day I’d find myself in a similar situation.

Whether it’s a convoy operation or a trip with your family, it’s always a good idea to perform a map or route reconnaissance. You’ll have the advantage of locating rest stops, places to fill up or, just maybe, possible road hazards. I didn’t do that during a winter ride from my home in Colorado Springs to Woodland Park, Colorado, and it literally proved to be my downfall.

I thought working at Fort Drum, New York, for more than 18 years had given me a pretty good feel on how to gauge weather conditions. However, one winter day, my complacency and overconfidence made me question not only my “weather nose,” but also my sanity.