Safety campaign around the corner

  • Published
  • By Rick Peterson
  • 377th Air Base Wing Safety
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  The annual summer safety campaign Air Force Critical Days of Summer is rolling around again, just when everyone is thinking about road trips to their family's favorite recreational destinations to enjoy camping, boating, swimming, barbecues and other activities.

How many Airmen think about safety or risk management when they get away from the base?

After all, summer is the time of year everyone wants to take a break from the work grind.

How much fun is it to spend that precious vacation time in the nearest emergency room, or worse, as a supervisor in a morgue identifying a friend or co-worker?

This is the time of year when Airmen and their families know statistically that the Air Force loses many to risky behavior.

Consider risk management when planning any of the following activities: Motorcycle cruises, road trips, water sports, outdoor sports and especially any extreme sports activities.

Airmen and their families should always use the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Also be aware that New Mexico's law enforcement agencies will be starting the enforcement against driving while intoxicated.

At roadblocks, they will check to ensure operators are licensed and vehicles have proper documentation. Officers will check for DWIs, driving under the influence and seatbelt use.

Always remember the seatbelt motto " Make it click" Seatbelts along with airbags keep you within the safe envelope that vehicle safety engineers have designed to protect you from survivable mishaps by keeping you from being ejected. And by the way it's required by AF regulations to wear seatbelts.

According to Air Force Safety Center officials, the Air Force places great emphasis on the safety of Airmen and their families, especially through the Critical Days of Summer which begins May 27 and ends Sept. 6.

While the loss of 16 Airmen to fatal mishaps this last summer is the lowest recorded, even one loss is one too many. Sadly the vast majority of these mishaps could have been prevented. While we have made some improvement during the past few years, we are far from our goal of zero preventable fatal mishaps.

A key factor to remember; Speeding kills. Of the twelve motorcycle fatalities in all of 2010, 7 were due to exceeding the proper speed for the conditions

It takes each and every one of us to save lives and we have a responsibility to take the time & effort to teach, mentor, and provide the right message for everyone. Some times that means taking charge and stepping in to tell someone who has had too much to drink to stay the night at your place or get them a ride home from a sober designated driver or even from a cab. Sometimes it's your call; you have to take time to ask the three Ds: Is this different, Is this dangerous or is this just dumb. When in doubt, ACT! Assess-Consider-Take appropriate action!

This year's local campaign urges everyone to:" Make memories, not memorials"