NORFOLK, Va. - Keeping Sailors safe behind the wheel was a focus of the 37th Virginia Military/Civilian Transportation Safety Workshop, held at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Va., Nov. 2 and 3.

More than 120 military and civilian traffic-safety experts attended the workshop, which was designed to share information between civilian organizations and the military. It was also used to research new programs that might be effective at saving lives in Virginia and around the country.

“We want to build better ties between the military and civilian community,” said Evelyn Odango, marketing specialist at Naval Safety Center. “We also want to improve our relations with our civilian counterparts and to enhance our efforts to prevent and reduce traffic-related mishaps.”

The event featured several presentations that touched not only on vehicular safety, but also strategies for publicizing safety efforts and mishap prevention.

“Working with these civilian groups and experts is good,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical)(SW) Greg Smith, leading chief at the Norfolk Brig. “Our people operate their vehicles in their [civilians'] environment. It’s a positive step to work with them, and we bring to the table our experiences from a controlled environment. We share some of the well-documented cases that we’ve seen and what we’re doing to make things better.”

Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Scott Hillesheim, a flight deck chief from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) addressed the use of safety standdowns and command policies.

“On my ship, our policy is that once you’ve had one drink, you don’t drive,” said Hillesheim. “We also urge our people to use designated-driver and safe-taxi programs. Our LCPOs (leading chief petty officers) take a personal role in leadership and mentoring. It has helped us to reduce mishaps.”

The Navy's participation in the workshop is part of its efforts to meet the Department of Defense's new 75 percent mishap-reduction challenge.

For more information on this goal and on traffic safety efforts, visit www.safetycenter.navy.mil. For traffic-safety tips and programs, click on 'Ashore' and select 'Motor Vehicle.'