Email   Print   Share By Margaret Banish-Donaldson, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center

Facebook Digg Delicious July 19, 2012 | Across DoD

U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center data show the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 has been the deadliest yet this year regarding accidents, with 42 Soldiers lost between April 1 and June 30. Fatal motorcycle accidents for Soldiers this year rose by 14 percent from the same time frame in 2011. Courtesy photo

FORT RUCKER, Ala. - Recently compiled data by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center revealed the third quarter of fiscal 2012 to have been the deadliest yet, regarding accidents, with 42 Soldiers lost between April 1 and June 30.

But overall, fatal accidents remain on the decline, with total fatalities 6 percent lower at quarter's end than numbers from the same time frame in fiscal year 2011.

"The fact that we've maintained a steady reduction in accidental losses through spring – and now summer – says a lot about the disciplined commitment to safety principles by our Soldiers and engaged leaders at every echelon," said Brig. Gen. Timothy Edens, director of Army Safety and commanding general, USACR/Safety Center. "I'm optimistic we can close 2012 with the best safety performance we've seen in 15 years."

Fiscal year 1997 was the Army's safest year on record, with 150 accidental fatalities reported both on and off duty. To date in fiscal year 2012, 112 Soldiers have died in on- and off-duty accidents.

While off-duty fatalities were down 7 percent from last year's total through the end of the third quarter, fatal motorcycle accidents rose by 14 percent from the same time frame in 2011. Indiscipline, primarily speeding, failure to wear personal protective equipment and reckless riding, has dominated motorcycle accident reports during this fiscal year.

On duty, accidental fatalities fell 43 percent during the third quarter, due largely to a 64-percent decline in ground fatalities that offset a slight rise in aviation fatalities throughout the year.

Edens praised leaders and Soldiers for their dedicated efforts and encouraged them to remain vigilant throughout the remaining months of summer and fiscal year 2012.

"Our Army's men and women are making the difference," Edens said. "They deserve the credit for our successes, but just because we're doing well doesn't mean we can relax.

"Historically speaking, the worst could be yet to come for accidents. Everyone needs to be on top of their game and looking out for one another."

The annual Army Safe Spring/Summer campaign, which features media tools designed to address common seasonal hazards and assist leaders and Soldiers in their safety efforts, is available online at

https://safety.army.mil.