Age plays role in Army driving accidents

A review of Army driver training has found most accidents in military vehicles are caused by errors made by drivers younger than 25, and it suggests additional training and supervision.

The review was ordered by Army chief Major General Jerry Mateparae in February after three soldiers were killed when a Unimog crashed into the Kawarau River near Queenstown.

The Army introduced new Unimog driver training procedures in March.

The review released yesterday was conducted by a New Zealand Defence team, who concluded that Army driver training methods were significantly better than those in the civilian sector, General Mateparae said.

The review found that the Army was providing a high level of driver training and personnel were not exposed to unnecessary risk, he said.

It also found that demographics played a role in vehicle accidents and resource constraints limited the Army's ability to provide training to the highest possible standard.

Accidents had occurred in all Army vehicles, and the majority caused by driver error were by drivers younger than 25.

"This suggests that before independent control of a vehicle is granted, or a full Defence Driving Permit issued, more training and supervised experience must be considered," the review said.

The review identified areas for improvements:

* Specialist vehicle training, such as fire appliances, conducted by external civilian agencies.

* Further off-road driving training and fatigue management.

* Greater emphasis on driver experience, the number of people in the vehicle and the level of supervision.

* Improved course documentation for driver training.

* A possible technical review of Unimog wheel nut configuration.

* The possible creation of a safe driving circuit at Waiouru.

* Feedback from the recently established Lessons Learnt database to provide a better picture on patterns occurring with accidents and infringements.

The recruitment of skilled personnel to assist with driver training was also recommended.

- NZPA