Risk Management Magazine

I was flat on my back on the basement floor when I heard my wife’s voice from upstairs saying, “What did you do?” Not wanting to worry her, I lied and replied, “Nothing!” She soon knew the truth, though, when I slunk upstairs to the breaker box and started flipping switches — again.

I could feel my SUV pulling to the right as the road noise grew louder. Because my vehicle was less than a year old, my supervisor gave it only a quick inspection before I took off. That’s not to say we pencil-whipped it, but we definitely didn’t look all that hard for problems.

As a young Soldier, I was not someone you would naturally point to as the next accident waiting to happen. I did what I was supposed to do and stayed out of trouble. I wasn’t a rebel. I also think I used common sense, even as a teenager, so I wasn’t prone to spontaneity and recklessness. This mindset suited me well as a young motorcyclist. I planned ahead, wore the proper clothing and protective equipment and preferred cruising over racing.