Safety is paramount to a successful summer

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Did you know, we've lost more Airmen to traffic fatalities during the same time frame as the Global War on Terrorism which started in October 2001? 

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a period of increased off-duty injuries caused by increased activity and risk taking. That's why Air Force leaders embark on a safety campaign every year called the '101 Critical Days of Summer.' The campaign began in the early 1970s as a way to reduce the large number of Air Force off-duty fatalities in the summer months. 

Historically, this is a period of high risk because people are doing more. People are outside traveling, swimming and camping. One hundred and forty-six Airman were killed in mishaps during the last five 101 Critical Days of Summer periods. Of these fatalities, 117 were traffic related, and 43 percent of these deaths were motorcyclists. Just this past weekend, four Airmen were killed in four separate vehicle accidents, two while driving motorcycles. 

Young men between the ages of 18 and 25 are most at risk for injury or death, yet all Airmen and their families need to remain extra vigilant about safety as the temperatures rise. Whether barbecuing in your backyard to setting out on a road trip or even just trying out a new sport, all Airmen need to think about their actions and the possible consequences. Throughout the summer, Airmen can expect to be reminded of key safety tips through commander's calls, base publications and from their supervisors. Pay attention to them. Airmen are our most valuable asset, so be safe and take care of each other. 

Some important safety reminders are:

-- Wear seatbelts in cars and required protective equipment on motorcycles.
-- Remain alert while at the wheel and plan rest breaks at frequent intervals.
-- Don't speed in an effort to arrive early. It is better to arrive late than not arrive at all.
-- Don't drink alcohol and drive.
-- Anticipate the unexpected and be ready to react.

"Summer is a great time of year to enjoy the great outdoors and sadly enough it is the most dangerous time for our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette, 28th Bomb Wing command chief. "Look at the statistics and find most of the Airmen who lose their lives are young men in car or motorcycle crashes, but it can happen to anyone. 

"How do we prevent such tragedy? I think we talk with our troops at all levels about safety and consequences of being unsafe, about the families that suffer and the pain they will feel when someone close to them is gone. 

"All supervisors should conduct safety briefings before long or holiday weekends. As members of the Air Force, we are our own unique family. Be that designated driver, be that wingman, be that loyal friend and most importantly take care of one another."
For more information on the "101 Critical Days of Summer", contact the wing safety office at 385-4774. 

Information provided by http://www.af.mil/libary/viewpoints/.