MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Safety for servicemembers and their families is one of the top priorities aboard Camp Pendleton.

During the past two four-day weekends, there were fewer base traffic accidents and violations reported.

Labor Day weekend saw only three accidents.

All three involved driving under the influence, said Gunnery Sgt. Donald J. Zerillo, traffic chief for the Provost Marshall’s Office.

Unlike last years Fourth of July four-day weekend, there were no accidents reported on base this year.

“This most recent four-day weekend of the summer was a priority for the commands to make safety awareness known,” Zerillo said.

The briefs ensure Marines are aware of what is expected of them and serves as a reminder of their responsibilities to one another.

“When you think safety, it’s not just drunk driving; falling asleep at the wheel can have the same consequences,” said Zerillo.

Here are some tips from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

• If you cut in front of another vehicle, you may create an emergency-braking situation for the vehicles around you.
Trucks and buses take longer to stop in comparison to cars.
When passing, look for the front of the truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front and avoid braking situations.

• Always buckle your seat belt. Seat belts are your best protection in case of a crash, especially if you get into an accident with a larger vehicle.

• Large trucks have blind spots, or No-Zones, around the front, back and sides. A truck may even turn into you when making wide right turns.

• Inattentive drivers can be as dangerous as aggressive drivers when they drive slowly in the passing lane, ignore brake lights or signals.

Although commands are trying to stop alcohol-related incidents, DUIs are not the most common cause of incidents.

The most common type of injury at the emergency room is not from drunk driving accidents; it’s common household accidents, said Petty Officer 3rd Class David J. Talmadge, hospital corpsman, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

Things like not being careful while chopping food or tripping over exposed electrical cords cause the most injuries, said Talmadge.

The National Safety Commission stated that 54 percent of injury-related deaths occurred in the home and community.
Many accidents can be avoided by taking simple precautions:

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the house.

• Check smoke alarms and batteries regularly to make sure they work. Batteries should be changed at least once a year.

• Run electrical cords along walls, not under rugs where they’re both an obstacle and a fire hazard.

• Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords.

• Turn off appliances when they are not in use.

It would be beneficial for servicemembers to pay attention to the details of everyday life, said Talmadge.

With holidays only a few months’ away servicemembers should expect more safety briefs to better prepare them for an unexpected accident.

Many accidents can be avoided with proper planning. Marines that have a contingency plan for weekend activities can avoid traffic violations such as DUIs.

Most units on base participate in the Arrive Alive Program, which gives Marines an option to have a safe ride home even if they don’t have the funds.

The unit will pay the cab fair on the basis that the Marine will reimburse the command.

Commands or individual Marines who wish to participate in the program should contact their company offices.