Whenever a person gets behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle and enters the roadway, they are taking a chance of having an accident. Does this mean they shouldn’t drive? Life would be very difficult without motorized vehicles, and someone needs to operate these vehicles. The best way to lessen the chances of an accident is to train the operator in the best ways to avoid an accident.
The United States Army has realized what the odds are of having an accident, and to lessen the odds of anyone driving an Army vehicle, they have designed and implemented a course that they believe will drop the odds of anyone driving an Army vehicle having an accident.
What I am writing about today is: the Army Accident Avoidance Course, and what you should know about it.
It is my firm opinion that drivers everywhere should have to take a similar course.
Is the Army Accident Avoidance Course mandatory?
The Army Accident Avoidance Course is mandatory for any individual that operates any, and all Army vehicles. It is a required course for any Army enlisted personnel or officers, contracted workers or civilian employees who operate any Army owned or leased vehicles.
How long is the Army Accident Avoidance Course good for?
Upon completing the Army Accident Avoidance Course, the individual will be issued a certificate of completion. The person’s name and information will also be entered into the Army’s database so the record can be pulled up by those who are on a need to know basis.
To answer the question, the Army Accident Avoidance Course is good for 4 years. The individual will have to retake the course just before that period has expired to operate Army vehicles.
Will an accident in an Army owned or leased vehicle effect my being able to drive Army vehicles?
Not necessarily. Accidents do happen, and in many cases it is not the fault of the operator, or even if it is the fault of the operator, it may have been an unavoidable accident. Professionals will research all the circumstances of the accident and will make a decision of an outcome. The primary responsibility of an operator is to report the accident immediately, no matter how serious it was. Reporting an accident is done within the Army Accident Reporting System known as REPORTIT. ReportIt is a mechanism that was developed so the Army can effectively manage its safety program. The system meets all Department of Defense criteria to maintain an efficient tool for leaders, soldiers and their families and civilians in protecting and preserving all of the Army’s resources.
At one time the reporting system was quite difficult, but it has been simplified. You can find out more about the simplified, and streamlined version here.
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Can the Army Accident Avoidance Course help me in civilian life?
The first answer I will give to this question is: In many ways. You will be a better, and safer driver. As I said earlier in this article, I believe all drivers should have to take this course. No matter how good of a driver you may think you are, you can always drive better. The majority of NASCAR drivers would probably tell you the same thing.
Another way that this course can help you in the civilian world is with automobile insurance. Many insurance companies will give a huge discount for anyone who shows they have completed and passed the Army Accident Avoidance Course. As I was researching more about this article, I came across this Reddit Forum that discusses this. One member mentioned that a Geico representative told him that the Army Accident Avoidance Course is considered a defensive driving course and qualifies the person for an auto insurance discount. He mentioned a $116 savings from his premium.
Do I have to travel to an Army base to take the Army Accident Avoidance Course?
No, the course is all done on your computer. It would not be cost efficient for the Army to have the many who need this course to have to travel to any one location. Read on to see how to take the course.
How do I take the Army Accident Avoidance Course?
There are 2 ways you can take the course:
The first way:
The first step is turn off your pop-up blocker, or the course will not be able to be viewed since it is a pop-up.
Go to the Army Accident Avoidance Course Link here.
Log-in with your AKO information.
In the catalog search type the word “traffic” and click go.
Find the course and system requirements and click “register.”
Follow all directions to complete registration.
Click “launch content.”
Click “Army POV 1-3.”
It should launch, but if you have difficulties just contact the ALMS help desk at 1-877-251-0730.
The second way:
It is also possible to download the Army Accident Avoidance Course and run it straight from your computer. Follow these steps:
Download the Army Accident Avoidance Course zip file from here onto your desktop or a drive you can write to. You can find that zip file here.
Create a folder called AAC.
Double click the zip file and it should open.
Click the WINZIP extract link. Browse to the folder you created and select extract from the menu. The course-ware will be unzipped in the folder you created.
Open the AAC folder you created and double click the start.exe file.
Enter your name the way you want it on your completion certificate.
You will now have to login to the site with your AKO information.
In the search type Army Traffic Safety and click go.
Click on register in the Army Accident Avoidance Course. Complete registration.
Click on launch, and the course will run.
Final Thoughts
Have you taken the Army Accident Avoidance Course? What are your thoughts about it? Do you feel it is a good course, or do you think it is a waste of time? No matter your answer, please explain why. Do you think the Army could make it better? How?
You can post all your opinions or any questions you may have below. Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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