Risk Management Magazine

On our way to the hunting spot, we crossed a bridge over a very swollen creek. We were amazed at how high the water was compared to normal. We traversed this road often, so we knew the water was sure to be just as amazing farther ahead at the low water crossing. Little did we know! So, we pressed on.

A few years ago, when I was a member of a search-and-rescue team in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, another team asked for our help locating a missing hunter. We responded and I set out as part of a three-man all-terrain vehicle (ATV) team. I recall it was a beautiful, clear, cool, crisp morning as we drove south to the Sangre de Cristo Range.

Some behaviors bring pride to themselves and the unit, others disgrace. Reckless driving — arguably the greatest threat to our formations today — should be no different. So why are we failing to influence our Soldiers' driving habits? The answer is simple: we haven’t really tried.