Convoy Safety

1. Convoy Safety Vehicle Accidents = Major Losses In OIF/OEF Convoys Have Been A Focus of Enemy Attacks Balance FORCE PROTECTION and SAFETY

2. Convoy Operations Risk Management • We’ve heard the Buzz and News Reports. BUT, What are the risks?  What is killing and Injuring soldiers in convoys? • Enemy • IEDs • Ambush • Accidents w/ Collisions and Rollovers • Trauma/being crushed • Drowning

3. Convoy Safety

4. Convoy Operations Risk Management Conduct Risk Management Include Route and Terrain Analysis before each mission. • Understand the vehicle capabilities specified in the TM and published Safety Messages. • Don't drive too fast for the road and weather conditions. • Wear seatbelts and Kevlar/CVC helmets. • Vehicle Commanders/Gunners ride under nametag defilade to the extent possible. • Learn the individual vehicle TMs, TCs, and Safety Messages that address rollovers for each specific vehicle in your inventory.  A couple of examples are: • Ground Precautionary Message (GPM) TACOM-WRN-Control Number GPM-00-005 Subject: Implementation of Crew Drill, Bradley Rollover Procedures • ARTEP 19-100-10 for HMMWVs • Conduct rollover drills.  Bottom Line: First Line Supervisor Ensure Soldiers are Adhering to Standards.

5. Convoy Operations Risk Management Commanders and leaders should consider the following actions to prevent rollover incidents: • Ensure convoy speeds are established and disseminated • Ensure senior occupants understand their responsibilities as outlined in AR 600-55.  Specifically: • Enforcing speed restrictions • Enforcing use of restraint devices • Assisting the driver in identifying road hazards • Ensuring drivers keep the proper distance interval between vehicles • Ensure drivers are trained in accident avoidance, hands-on skills improvement (e.g., Advanced Skills Driver Training), and local area hazards • Crew selection - Pair inexperienced operators with experienced operators Bottom Line: First Line Supervisors must Ensure Soldiers are Adhering to Standards.

6. USAREUR & 7TH ARMY Convoy Safety EMERGENCY ROLLOVER PROCEDURES WARNING Army tactical wheeled vehicles are not designed with rollover protection as a primary requirement. At the first sign of a vehicle rollover, occupants should immediately brace for impact. As a precaution, ensure all loose items and equipment, which can cause severe injury or death, are firmly secured prior to movement.

7. Convoy Safety ROLLOVER PREVENTIVE MEASURES Driver Training. Start by training your drivers in the six important factors that can affect vehicle stability. These six factors are: • Vehicle Center of Gravity. • Load Security. • Radius of Curves and Slope of Roadways. • Vehicle Speed • adjusted to environmental/road conditions. • Trailer Towing. • Vehicle Condition and Preparation.

8. Convoy Safety • Vehicle Control Factors • Vehicle Center of Gravity. The height of a vehicle's center of gravity and the length of the wheelbase determine the vehicle's stability. • (2) Load Security. Improperly secured loads can change a vehicle's center of gravity and its stability. Bulk tank trucks are inherently less secure because fluids can surge when trucks brake or go around curves, thereby altering the center of gravity. Also, a vehicle loaded with containers will have a higher center of gravity. Additionally, it is important that payloads are secured as closely as possible to the lateral centerline of the truck or trailer bed. If the payload is not centered properly, the vehicle stability will not be equivalent when turning to both the right and left. See Figures:next slide • (3) Radius of Curves and Slope of Roadways. These are important because they generate a centrifugal force that acts sideways on the vehicle, thereby decreasing vehicle stability.

9. Convoy Safety

10. Convoy Safety Load Distribution Examples

11. Convoy Safety Vehicle Control Factors (4) Vehicle Speed. As the vehicle's speed increases, the centrifugal force, or sideways force increases. Faster speeds also result in decreased driver response times. Speed is the factor over which the driver can exercise the most control. When maneuvering through curves or sudden traffic situations, a vehicle with a high center of gravity can easily turn over. • Speed is even more important when the movement of liquid cargo is "in phase" with the vehicle's maneuver. If the liquid is on one side during the first curve, then shifts to the other side during the next curve, the liquid is positioned to shift back to the first side with four times the side force it had during the initial curve. • Sudden vehicle maneuvers are especially risky because the combination of speed and load shift makes the vehicle unstable. This is probably the most important factor contributing to vehicle instability because it magnifies problems presented by the first three factors.

12. Convoy Safety Vehicle Control Factors (5) Trailer Towing. Vehicles towing trailers are much more prone to roll over, especially in curves and during sudden steering maneuvers, as a result of the exaggerated motion of the trailer. (6) Vehicle Condition and Preparation. It is critical the vehicle is in good operating condition before starting your mission, with particular attention paid to the tires’ condition and air pressure. Properly performed PMCS is the best way to control this potential hazard.

13. Convoy Safety Risk Management Control Measures. Every driver can take eight basic steps to prevent or reduce the potential for rollovers. • Adjust the vehicle speed to allow a "Speed Cushion" for maneuvering (at least 10 MPH below the posted speed limit is recommended when approaching a curve). • Slow down and downshift early. Do not shift in the curve. • Observe speed limit and check speedometer to ensure that your vehicle is below the posted speed. • Do not rely on a "seat of the pants" sense to judge speed and vehicle maneuverability. New suspensions and chassis set-ups give a false sense of control. • Slowly accelerate out of the curve. • Maintain a "Space Cushion" (distance between your vehicle and other traffic) so that you have a safe maneuvering speed to compensate for errors in judgment, weather, road conditions, and poor driving by other motorists. • Avoid the temptation to brake hard if the rear of the vehicle or trailer “slides out”. Instead, if there is clearance, attempt to apply steady throttle, allowing the vehicle to straighten itself. Braking will accelerate the skid, contributing to loss of control and rollover. • Risk Management Procedures. Personnel are required to wear seatbelts. All US Army personnel should follow unit standard operating procedures/tactical standard operating procedures and be in proper uniform when operating or riding as a passenger in military vehicles. It is recommended when operating tactical military vehicles in off-road conditions during field training, driver’s training, and tactical operations that the Kevlar helmet be worn at all times with chin strap properly secured. NOTE: Commanders should include safety tips in initial and sustainment tactical wheeled vehicle operator training.

14. Convoy Safety WARNING Never attempt to leap from a rolling vehicle. It may roll over you. Ensure that the vehicle has stopped its roll before moving. Upon complete evacuation of all personnel, vehicle should be inspected for fire hazards such as leaking oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluid. Use the portable fire extinguisher when inspecting vehicle for leaks in case of fire, which could cause injury or death. If hazardous/explosive materials are involved, driver should take actions according to the DD Form 836 accompanying load. Notify emergency response personnel and remain at evacuation distance while securing accident site.

15. Convoy Safety Wheeled Vehicle ROLLOVER PROCEDURES • The driver and passengers MUST wear seat belts (if equipped). • The senior occupant is responsible for ensuring all personnel, riding in or on a vehicle, are wearing seatbelts (if equipped) and that all required equipment inside the vehicle is properly stored and secured. • The senior occupant must ensure that all personnel are checked for injuries and injured personnel are given emergency first aid as needed. • All sensitive items are to be secured, and the accident reported immediately. • The first soldier to notice vehicle beginning to rollover should shout “ROLLOVER!”

16. Convoy Safety Wheeled Vehicle ROLLOVER PROCEDURES When rollover is imminent the driver performs the following: (1) Release the accelerator. (2) Keep hands on the steering wheel with extended but not locked arms, tucks head and chin into chest and braces for an impact. (3) Yell “ROLLOVER!”

17. Convoy Safety Wheeled Vehicle ROLLOVER PROCEDURES When the vehicle is stabilized the driver performs the following: (1) Shut down the engine. (2) Check for injuries. (3) Identify an evacuation route. (4) Retrieve fire extinguisher. (5) Exit the vehicle. (6) Check for fire and fuel leaks or spills. (7) Attempt to contain fire and /or fuel leaks/spills. (8) Account for occupants and sensitive items. (9) Seek medical attention, as needed. (10) Radio for help.

18. Convoy Safety Wheeled Vehicle ROLLOVER PROCEDURES When the vehicle is stabilized the passenger(s) perform the following: (1) Check for injuries. (2) Exit the vehicle. (3) Account for personnel and sensitive items. (4) Seek medical attention, as required. (5) Assist the driver.

19. Convoy Safety LEADER ACTIONS: There are many good programs leaders can establish to reduce accident risk. Designated-driver programs and unit on-the-spot safety inspections are good starting points. a. Commanders should: · Know their soldiers. · Require disciplined, legal behavior. · Conduct individual soldier risk assessments (see format on page 3-10). · Provide incentives for safe performance. · Provide accident avoidance and remedial driver training programs. · Hold subordinate leaders accountable for leader intervention. b. Squad leaders and Platoon Sergeants are the first line of defense. They should: · Know their soldiers’ driving habits. · Ensure that deficiencies identified in vehicle inspections are corrected and then re-inspect. · Recommend when driving privileges should be revoked. · Counsel individuals on the repercussions of unsafe driving. · Conduct periodic tailgate safety briefings to small groups. · Encourage soldiers to look out for each other.

20. Convoy Safety Wheeled Vehicle ROLLOVER PROCEDURES When the rollover is imminent the passenger(s) performs the following: (1) Tuck head and chin into chest and braces for impact. (2) Plant feet firmly on the floor while holding onto a stationary object. (3) Yell “ROLLOVER!”

21. NAMETAG DEFILADE   Within the last year, two soldiers have died in accidents because they were not following established procedures during the operation of a combat vehicle. In the first accident, a M1A1 tank commander (TC) lost his life when his tank slid off a concrete turn pad and rolled over, crushing the TC in the process. While there are other factors involved in this accident, the TC was not at nametag defilade. The second accident occurred when a Bradley commander, standing waist defilade in the commander’s hatch, received a fatal blow to the face from a tree limb that was 22 inches in circumference. Had this soldier been at nametag defilade, the branch would have passed harmlessly over his head rather than crushing it. Interviews conducted by the accident investigation teams in both accidents revealed that the soldiers in both units involved knew the standard of nametag defilade when standing in the hatch of combat vehicles. Furthermore, most soldiers understood the reasons for maintaining nametag defilade: less exposure to enemy fire and ease of dropping down in the vehicle while conducting rollover drills. Despite knowledge of the standard, leaders in both accidents condoned the actions of the vehicle commanders who failed to maintain the nametag defilade standard. This hazard is not unique to M1 series tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. This same hazard can pose serious risk to soldiers operating trucks with ring mounted weapons, HMMWVs with pintle-mounted weapons, FAASVs, M109s, recovery vehicles and many other tracked / wheeled vehicles. Leaders at all levels must identify the risk associated with soldiers standing in the hatches of vehicles and strictly enforce the nametag defilade standard. Furthermore, vehicle occupants and crews must rehearse rollover drills to the point where it becomes second nature for the soldiers standing in hatches to drop down and brace for a rollover situation. The nametag defilade standard is as old as tracked vehicles themselves, but still requires constant enforcement by leaders at all levels. Strict enforcement of the nametag defilade standard WILL save our soldiers lives in both combat and training environments. JAMES E. SIMMONS Brigadier General, USA Director of Army Safety SAN000000ZJUL01

22. Convoy – Name Tag Defilade This Gunner is at Risk

23. OUTWARD FACING SEATING FUEL CAN RACK FORCE PROTECTION VERSUS SAFETY GUN MOUNTS TCP DEVICES Use Composite Risk Management

24. VEHICLE SEATING REDESIGN Centerline Seating Example of Composite Risk Management

25. 12 Convoy - Centerline Troop Seats (Shown on 5T Cargo Truck) • Uses existing seats for installation • Configuration allows space for equip • Seats are removable (bolt to bed) • Soldiers face outward IOT engage • Seating capacity is the same • Manufactured w/ locally procured iron • Relatively inexpensive • Easy to install • Minimal changes made to bed of truck

26. Safety/Risk Assessment of Outward Facing Benches Standard Cargo Vehicle Seating SOLDIERS STANDING IN VEHICLE IN ORDER TO LOOK OUT. • FROM A FORCE PROTECTION STANDPOINT • Outward seating just makes Sense. • Mitigates the problems shown on the left. • FROM A SAFETY STAND POINT • Soldiers lose ability to have a hand hold (loss of side running bar). • Promotes Staying Seated while increasing Force Protection • FURTHER RECOMMENDATION: • Use rolled canvas top in order to provide protection from the sun. Soldiers can still see out. • Add sandbags to bed of truck/metal plates to side. • Use, evaluate, try to provide hand hold (5/50 cord?) • Use slat type seats or pad the seats for long distances. • Add head support bar across top. Only the GUNNER has ability to return fire effectively. SOLDIERS NOT MAINTAINING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

27. Convoy Safety – Lessons Learned Further Recommendations for Center Line Seating: • Install permanent collapsible seats affixed to the center of the truck bed that accommodates: • Seatbelts or Lap belts with shoulder harnesses built into the seat. • A head restraint to help counter whiplash. • UH-60 style restraint system has been suggested as a baseline for design.

28. Convoy Safety Lessons Learned • ISSUE: Numerous wrecks and rollovers have occurred during movement through Iraq during combat and non-combat operations. • BACKGROUND: Vehicle accidents resulted from environmental conditions that drivers were not prepared for, such as: • ROUGH TERRAIN: CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL THROUGH THE DESERT, CREVICES, RAVINES, AND WASHOUTS, • DUST OBSCURING VISION: THE CAUSE FACTORS FOR MOST ACCIDENTS WERE • FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, SPEED LIMITING REACTION TIME, • LIMITED VISIBILITY (Night and Dust) AND FAILURE TO ADJUST VEHICLE SPACING, • EXTREME DUST CONDITIONS LIMITING VISIBILITY, AND EXTENSIVE NIGHT DRIVING • STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF A DUST CLOUD RESULTING IN REAR END COLLISIONS. • DAYS OF TRAVEL OVER LONG DISTANCES.

29. Convoy Safety Lessons Learned • DISCUSSION - Accident reports indicate the causal factors for most accidents were: • Following too closely for environmental conditions, • Excessive speed limiting reaction time, • Limited visibility and failure to adjust vehicle separation. • Stopping in the middle of a dust cloud have resulted in several rear end collisions. • Numerous vehicles have rear ended each other or rolled over in extreme dust conditions. • Convoys passing each other creates additional dust condition problems. • RECOMMENDATIONS: • Driving Courses at Training Centers should simulate driving conditions found in desert type environments. • Include inflatable/soft vehicles/obstacles that will not damage military equipment in the event of collisions. • Master Drivers’ program should be expanded to require soldiers to negotiate courses with field representative ‘hazards.’ • Once in theater drivers should gain experience within base camp surroundings prior to executing combat driving (within mission time constraints); maximize supervision until experience is gained.

30. INEXPERIENCED DRIVER SPEED, OVER BRAKING & LOOSE CARGO IMPROPER TOWING PROCEDURES COMBINED WITH SPEED ACCIDENTS Deaths & Injuries FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE FOR CONDITIONS STOPPING IN DUST UNFAMILIAR TERRAIN SPEED

31. 21 Convoy Lessons Learned – Spare Tires • EXTREME TIRE WEAR LEADING TO BLOWOUTS WITHOUT SPARE TIRES BEING AVAILABLE. • BACKGROUND • Vehicles deployed for operations; however, tires already exposed to environmental exposures were dry-rotting. This resulted ed in premature failure and wear out which wasn’t visible during PMCS. • RADIAL AND BIAS TIRES are not interchangeable; this has lead to additional problems.

32. 21 Convoy Lessons Learned – Spare Tires • DISCUSSION • Extensive mileage was placed on vehicles during the conflicts and SASO portions of OIF/OEF. • Spare tires / Rims availability has been limited within theater resulting in vehicles running with unserviceable tires. In some cases tires have had to be replaced due to the type of tires and incompatibility with replacement tires. • Excessive heat exposure has resulted in increased side wall blowouts. • Vehicles have not been equipped with a means of carrying a spare tire. • Radial tires have proven to be the choice for the environment. • Off-the Shelf replacements have been purchased but are often not to military specifications.

33. 21 Convoy Lessons Learned – Spare Tires • Recommendations • Deploysome vehicles with a spare tire (mounted and inflated on a rim) to the extent possible. • Supplement TMs/Supporting references to add some spare tires to the BII Requirements. • Theater Level Logistics Packages add some spare tires (rim mounted) to vehicles, with replacement quantities sufficient for mission. • Equip some convoyvehicles with a roof rack or rear end holder for carrying a spare. Note: Alteration of Center-of-Gravity may alter stability to some extent resulting in safety risk. Perform Risk Assessment to determine acceptability.

34. Convoy Safety Vehicle Accidents = Major Losses In OIF/OEF Convoys Have Been A Focus of Enemy Attacks Balance FORCE PROTECTION and SAFETY Exercise Composite Risk Management

35. Convoy Safety - CLFX Convoy Live Fire Training Local Training Area Requirements: • SOP – Detailing the training • Risk Assessment required for all phases of the training • Range Record must include the type of weapons, caliber, distances and vehicles to be used. (if not these need to be evaluated and updated) • One safety NCO per firer recommended in initial live fire phases Inherent Safety Risk – Combines Vehicles and Weapons • Employ a Crawl-Walk-Run Approach • Gated-Phased training • Guidance in AE Pam 350-100 Convoy Operations/ Convoy Live Fire Program (DRAFT) - Supplements Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF The safe conduct of soldiers firing weapons and pyrotechnics, detonating explosives, and maneuvering on ranges is acommand responsibility.

36. Convoy Safety - CLFX Convoy Live Fire Training • Initial training conducted at Local Training Areas • Advanced Marksmanship/Reflexive Fire (Table IV*) • Static Vehicle Firing Familiarization (Table VI*) • Dry Fire, then Blanks, then Live Fire • Requires Weapon Discipline to prevent Negligent Discharges or Off Range Rounds. • Ideal situation is one safety NCO (E4 or higher) per firer. • In the Event of a Negligent Discharge or round leaving safe zone All local/associated Range Operations will Cease with Report to Range Control. • All incident/accidents will be investigated and cleared by range control prior to resuming. *AE Pam 350-100 Requires High Level of Weapon Discipline

37. Convoy Safety - CLFX Convoy Live Fire Training • Advanced phases of training conducted at Grafenwoehr Training Area • Weapons Discipline is Extremely Important. • At any time half the weapons may be pointed off installation • The major underlying reasons for errors related to all accidents and injuries are: • Lack of self-discipline. • Failure to enforce standards. • Inadequate training. • Failure to follow procedures • Improper or inadequate clearing • Untimely loading/unloading • Personnel in the path of recoil or back-blast • Fratricide

38. Convoy Safety - CLFX • Risk Assessment – Use FM 100-14, and FM 3-22.9 for Guidance • Consider Target Audience – i.e., Advanced Infantry Based Weapons training for CS/CSS Units. • High Level of Weapon Discipline Required • Never point weapons at people unless intent is to kill • Load only on Command • LTAs Require Special Attention to Weapon Discipline due to Area Limitations • Observe Local Range SOPs/Regulations/Guidance • Maintain weapons on ‘Safe’ until ready to fire. Pointed Downrange, Finger outside trigger housing area. • Never touch weapons with personnel downrange. • Maintain Control of Ammunition/Brass – Issue/Turn-In • Keep Live and Blank Ammunition Separate • Clear and Rod weapons prior to leaving firing line • Maintain Medical/Emergency Personnel/Equipment • Two communications systems • Police the range when completed. • Anyone observing unsafe act has responsibility to call “Cease Fire!” • Treat all weapons as ‘Loaded” at ALL times.

39. Convoy Safety • Convoy Safety/Survivability has become a Focus of Army Attention. • The Enemy has Targeted Convoy Vulnerability. • With Proper Training we can Eliminate this perceived Vulnerability. • Safe and Effective Training is Key – along with Composite Risk Management.