R 242108Z JUL 09

ALCOAST 433/09
COMDTNOTE 5102
SUBJ: OFF-DUTY MOTOR VEHICLE GENERAL ORDER
A. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MANUAL, COMDTINST M5100.47
(SERIES), CH10, I.2.D AND I.9.G
1. IN OCTOBER 2007, I ISSUED A GENERAL ORDER TO REINFORCE COAST
GUARD POLICY CONTAINED IN REF A REGARDING MANDATORY USE OF SEAT
BELTS AND MOTORCYCLE HELMETS. I AM CONCERNED WITH RECENT SURVEY
RESULTS THAT SHOW A DECLINE IN THE USE OF SEAT BELTS, HELMETS, AND
CAR SEATS. I DIRECT COMMANDING OFFICERS AND OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE TO
PROVIDE THIS ALCOAST TO EVERY UNIT MEMBER WITHIN THE NEXT 60 DAYS
AND EVERY NEW MEMBER UPON REPORTING ABOARD.
2. MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IS EVERYONES RESPONSIBILITY. WE CAN NOT
AFFORD TO LOSE A SINGLE MEMBER OF OUR TEAM TO ACCIDENTS THAT CAN BE
PREVENTED BY SIMPLY WEARING A SEAT BELT OR HELMET. AS GUARDIANS, WE
MUST WATCH OUR SHIPMATES BACK AND DISRUPT THE FAULTY DECISION
MAKING THAT CAN LEAD TO FATAL CONSEQUENCES.
3. THE GENERAL ORDER REMAINS IN EFFECT AND IS CITED BELOW:
 A. ALL MILITARY MEMBERS, INCLUDING RESERVISTS IN AN ACTIVE STATUS
INCLUDING IDT AND ADT, ARE ORDERED TO WEAR SEAT BELTS WHEN
AVAILABLE AND FUNCTIONING IN A MOVING CAR OR TRUCK, WHETHER THEY
ARE ON OR OFF-DUTY. ADDITIONALLY, EVERY MILITARY MEMBER OPERATING
OR RIDING AS A PASSENGER ON A MOTORCYCLE IS ORDERED TO WEAR A
CERTIFIED PROTECTIVE HELMET. THESE ORDERS APPLY WHETHER THE MEMBER
IS ON OR OFF-DUTY AND REGARDLESS OF ANY LESS RESTRICTIVE
REQUIREMENTS IN CIVIL JURISDICTIONS.
 B. THIS ORDER IS PUNITIVE IN NATURE AND FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS
ORDER CAN RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION UNDER ARTICLE 92 OF THE
UCMJ.
 C. FAILURE TO TAKE PROPER VEHICULAR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND TO
COMPLY WITH THESE ORDERS WILL BE CONSIDERED AS ONE OF POTENTIALLY
SEVERAL FACTORS DURING LINE OF DUTY/MISCONDUCT DETERMINATIONS.
ALTHOUGH A MEMBERS FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE ORDERS WILL NOT
CREATE AN AUTOMATIC PRESUMPTION OF MISCONDUCT, A DETERMINATION OF
NOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY BECAUSE OF A MEMBERS MISCONDUCT COULD
RESULT IN A LOSS OF IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND OTHER BENEFITS TO THE
SERVICE MEMBER AND/OR SERVICE MEMBERS FAMILY.
4. ADMIRAL THAD ALLEN, COMMANDANT, SENDS.
5. INTERNET RELEASED AUTHORIZED.