CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 282025Z JUN 23 MID600053092665U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 053/23 MSGIG/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/JUN // SUBJ/MOTORCYCLE SAFETY// RMKS/1. The Department of the Navy (DON) recently initiated the annual 101 Days of Summer Safety Campaign to highlight the increased risk inherent in activities we engage in between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Motorcycle safety is a particular focus area of this campaign as warmer weather and summer travel increase during this timeframe and beyond. Motorcycle safety has been a priority of mine since taking office in August 2021, and we continue to foster a culture of safety to heighten risk awareness and reduce preventable mishaps. This ALNAV is intended to highlight motorcycle safety, stimulate leadership engagement, and proactively commit to ensuring we are protecting our Sailors and Marines who enjoy riding. To emphasize the concern and urgency, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, the DON has lost 14 Sailors and 3 Marines due to motorcycle deaths. The tragic loss of these 17 warriors this FY alone significantly impacts the DON's combat readiness and mission execution; but more importantly, their loss is devastating to family, friends, and their associated unit personnel. We simply cannot sit back and allow that to happen year after year - we must act to avoid such appalling outcomes. The DON invests considerable time and resources to protecting our personnel from known hazards for both mission and personal reasons. When operating motorcycles, the hazards are numerous. There is no single cause of accidents, as these can occur due to speed, road conditions, environmental factors or a combination thereof. As a result, there is no single solution that can be employed. Rather, motorcyclists must remain vigilant, drive defensively, remain within their personal and vehicle limitations, and apply the fundamental training principles they have been taught. Motorcycle accidents are not unique to the military as the DON parallels the national average with motorcycle incidents. Nevertheless, the trends within the DON are concerning, and we must engage and apply proactive risk management methodologies. A testament to this is noted in the National Safety Council's (NSC) recent statement regarding how the mileage death rate in 2022 increased by 22% from pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the NSC commented that our roadways are more dangerous than they have been in 17 years and continue to pose some of the most significant risks we face each day, whether driving, riding, or simply walking across the street. The DON is no more immune to these NSC numbers than anyone else, and must ensure that we do our part to avoid contributing to these tragic numbers. At its core, this loss of Sailors and Marines to motorcycle incidents is a leadership challenge that demands your full attention. Commanders must refocus their organizational safety programs to ensure compliance with all traffic safety requirements relative to motorcycle safety. Further, this ALNAV directs all Commanders to verify their command motorcycle riders have completed required training based on level and performance. Commanders must strictly reinforce the requirement to adhere to all relevant motorcycle regulations and training requirements. Additionally, reinvigorate and tailor your command motorcycle mentorship program to promote rider education, safety, and training based on the level and experience of your rider population. With your engagement, attention, and focused leadership, the DON can prevent the senseless loss of our most valuable assets, our people. 2. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//