As you get ready to head out for the Fourth of July, Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey has a message for you.

In an e-mail to the force, Dailey calls on troops to slow down and celebrate safely.

In his words:

SMA Sends — Slow Down and Celebrate Safely

While many of you are enjoying your BBQ and fireworks in celebration of our Nation's Independence, somewhere an Army Family will be planning a funeral after their Soldier is killed in an off-duty accident - don't let that family be yours.

I cannot bear to read another serious incident report about a Soldier who dies in a car accident. Unfortunately, statistics tell me that this Independence Day weekend ... my phone will be flooded with messages informing me of the loss of another team member to excessive speed in a private motor vehicle (PMV).

Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Dailey is interviewed at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Dailey will be the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army. (Mike Morones/Staff)

Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey

Photo Credit: Mike Morones/Staff

So, here's simple direct guidance ... slow down. Slow down and celebrate safely. All I ask is that you look at your speedometer and no matter what it says ... reduce your speed just 5 MPH. Let's start there. The next step is to use your safety belt. Last, have a designated driver before you start the festivities. If each of you does these three things this weekend, planning for a fun-filled time is the only planning your Family needs to do.

You are all strong ... but you're not invincible, so take three minutes to visit the Army Safety Center website. Remind yourself how easy it is to be safe, so you and your Family can enjoy the "rockets' red glare" this July 4th:

https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/HomeandFamily/Off-DutySafetyAwarenessPresentation.aspx

QUICK TIP: This site is a good place to find ready-to-use training, tips, statistics and videos to spark discussion on safety issues for your weekend safety briefing.

Army Safe IS Army Strong.

-SMA

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