CSADD Promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness

By Electronics Technician 3rd Class Russell Tracy, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill (NNS) -- Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), Great Lakes Chapter released motorcycle safety Awareness video March 21.

With spring starting this week in many areas around the country, motorcycle use is expected to increase. The video promotes motorcycle safety awareness and the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

"'Safety first' should always be our first thought, and what is not mentioned often enough is to be alert of those around you," said Commander, Navy Region Midwest Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Christopher L. Adams.

The video emphasizes "all the gear all the time" (ATGATT), an acronym used to remind riders to use the proper PPE while operating a motorcycle. A Department of Transportation-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, boots and a reflective vest are required to be worn by all Navy personnel. The Navy motorcycle safety course is also required for all personnel who choose to operate a motorcycle.

"Motorcycle safety is paramount to the readiness of our Navy," said Chief Yeoman (SW) Gabriel Sanchez. Commander, Navy Region Midwest flag writer, who appeared in the video. "Personal Protective Equipment is there for a reason; to protect you from severe injuries in case of have an accident."

Members of CSADD spent a week recording and editing the motorcycle safety video.

It's important for us to get the word out to our shipmates about motorcycle safety and what better way but with a funny and informative video," said Seaman Kit Wingate, the chapter's mascot "CSADD Guy" and unit founder.

CSADD is a peer to peer mentorship program aimed to guide Sailors away from making poor and destructive decisions by providing them with positive and dynamic training and to show Sailors how to make quick positive decisions and put their training to use in moments of high stress and peer pressure. CSADD does this through mentorship, events, posters, and videos.

Safety is one of the key areas of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department.