31st FW leadership emphasizes driving safety with base drivers Published Sept. 4, 2009 AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Col. Charles Q. Brown Jr., 31st Fighter Wing commander, addressed traffic accidents involving Aviano Air Base drivers with base senior leaders Sept. 4. The meeting comes on the heels of a recent string of accidents, one of which led to the death of two Italian civilians and one American military service member Aug. 28, 2009. The last American service member from Aviano AB to die was a motorcyclist in July 2007. "One loss of life due to a motor vehicle or motorcycle operator accident is one to many," said Colonel Brown. "We take driving safety very serious and have programs in-place to help educate our base drivers about how to read the local road signs to the various types of hazards that are associated with driving or riding on Italian roadways." Prior to this recent string of accidents, wing leadership has been exploring several options to help reduce the number and severity of traffic accidents involving Aviano Airmen. Colonel Brown met with wing leadership today to reemphasize the need for command and supervisory involvement from the highest to the lowest levels. Next week, Colonel Brown has directed squadron commanders hold meetings with their assigned personnel and focus on driving safety. Additionally, the wing commander has directed the 31st FW safety office to reinvigorate the wing's road safety program to mitigate future accidents.