FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN) — Fort Campbell leaders met at a Motorcycle Risk Reduction Workshop Thursday to address growing concerns around motorcycle safety in the community.
Local officials, law enforcement and safety advocates met to address the issue, with breakout groups focusing on:
- Analyzing data, hearing firsthand accounts and discussing real-world scenarios to collectively understand the risk with motorcycle crashes and fully understand the factors contributing to crashes
- Collaborative efforts between military officials, area law enforcement agencies and safety organizations to fully understand strategies for crash prevention
- Developing long-term solutions for generating action items and implementing proactive measures to reduce motorcycle crash-related injuries and deaths
Reports from the Clarksville Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the 101st Airborne Division Safety Office indicated upward trends in crashes since 2023, according o a press release from the 101st Airborne Division. Fort Campbell safety leaders reported a 35% increase in motorcycle “mishaps” since 2023, the release added. However, as of Thursday’s meeting, there had been no reported motorcycle-related deaths in 101 days.
“Reaching 101 fatality-free days is a significant achievement, reflecting the commitment and
vigilance of our team and service members. While we acknowledge this milestone as a positive
step, it does not signal a time to ease our efforts,” deputy safety director to the 101st Airborne Division, Rayna Green, said. “Our focus remains on continuous improvement, and we are always analyzing trends and identifying new strategies to mitigate risks. Our goal is to see 202, 303, and beyond — every day without a fatality is a victory, but we must remain proactive.”
Colonel Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding officer-support for the 101st Airborne Division, said unification among area leaders would send a clear message that these upward trends are unacceptable.
“We all know that motorcycles provide freedom, excitement, and, for many, an essential means
of transportation,” McIntosh said. “But we also know that they come with inherent risks that
we can mitigate through smart policy, improved training, and stronger community awareness.”
Clarksville mayor Joe Pitts said he was “keenly interested” in working with Fort Campbell leadership to bring down motorcycle crashes and related deaths.
“I do know it is not a passive approach that will win the day but more of a deliberate, personal approach about motorcycle safety that will make the difference,” Pitts added.
