ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Historically, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a period of high risk, since people are heavily engaged in outdoor activities. Sunny days, vacations and barbecues with family and friends significantly increase exposure to risk. That's why, in the early 1970's, Air Force leaders introduced the safety campaign called "101 Critical Days of Summer" as a way to raise safety consciousness and reduce the large number of Air Force off-duty fatalities during the summer.
Why is summertime safety so important in effort to save lives? From 1997 to 2008, the Air Force alone lost an average of 24 Airmen each summer. Last year, 17 Airmen were fatally injured; 5 to motorcycle mishaps, 4 to automobile accidents, 4 to sports and recreational activities, 3 were pedestrians and 1 occurred while performing vehicle maintenance.
Now that warmer weather is here, Airmen should keep the following themes in mind when planning activities:
- Make safety a habit. Always wear seat belts and make sure passengers wear theirs as well. So far this year, 4 fatalities were passengers in automobiles and 1 passenger was killed on a motorcycle. When riding motorcycles, scooters, ATVs or bicycles, and in other activities where there is a potential to impact immovable objects, wear all protective gear. Plan road trips well, take frequent rest breaks and don't be in a hurry to reach the destination - it is better to arrive late than to not arrive at all.
- Be a good Wingman. Don't drink and drive, offer to be the designated driver, and have the courage to intervene when seeing behaviors or activities that might jeopardize the safety of Wingmen. This means providing "top cover" to prevent injury or loss of life. A good Wingman has situational awareness and the courage to speak up!
- Manage risks. Prior to each activity or endeavor this summer, simply ask: What is going on? What can go wrong? Could someone be hurt? What actions can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk?
Personal risk management is all about personal leadership. Although last year was one of the Air Force's safest summers ever, it still lost many Airmen to preventable mishaps. Throughout the summer, expect to be reminded of key safety tips through commander's calls, base newspapers, publications and supervisors. Use these tips to save lives.
For more information regarding Summer Safety, visit the Air Force Safety Center portal page and the local safety office.
Airmen are the Air Force's most valuable resource. Stay safe this summer by maintaining situational awareness. Have the courage to intervene before a mishap occurs and save a life this summer!
(Courtesy of the Airmen's Roll Call Online)