"101 Critical Days of Summer" Safety Campaign Begins

  • Published
  • By Lorie Bellamy
  • 18th Wing Safety Office
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The "101 Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign officially kicks off May 22, Memorial Day weekend, and ends Sept. 7, Labor Day. 

This is historically the period where we lose more Airmen to preventable mishaps than any other time of the year. Most of the mishaps occur during off-duty activities because increased daylight hours and better weather provide more opportunities for travel and recreation. 

Team PACAF had an outstanding summer campaign in 2008 and did not experience a single fatality. Commander focus, supervisor involvement and personal risk management are key to mishap prevention during these critical summer months.
Unfortunately, many people ignore the risks associated with summer activities. Last year, 19 Air Force members were killed and nine were from fatalities that occurred with private motor vehicles or motorcycles. 

Five of the fatalities involved members operating motorcycles; three of the members lost control of their bikes and were fatally injured, the fourth member struck a tree and the fifth individual struck a private vehicle that pulled out in front of him. Completing the proper training, operating the bike at safe speeds and wearing the right gear are critical to minimizing mishaps and saving lives. 

There were three fatalities last year caused by vehicles striking pedestrians. Two members were struck by a vehicle while walking their pets and the third was struck by a tractor trailer after getting out of their vehicle on the side of the road to assess damage after striking a concrete barrier. Exiting a vehicle while it is parked on the side of the road is extremely dangerous; it is safer to stay inside the vehicle. 

Two individuals drowned last year; one while snorkeling and the second while kayaking. Water safety is critical in Okinawa. Always check the sea and weather conditions and respond properly to the warnings. Utilizing Risk Management principles, commanders and supervisors must emphasize risk awareness for their personnel engaged in swimming and water related activities. 

Airman should not swim, scuba dive or snorkel alone or combine alcohol with these activities because it will increase the potential for a mishap. Swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving in unfamiliar areas should be avoided. If you are boating this summer, take a boating safety course. Boaters must be alert, sober and wear life jackets. 

Although alcohol was a factor in only one of the fatalities last year, it still continues to be a problem within the Air Force. Drinking and driving simply cannot be tolerated and has been proven time and time again to be a deadly combination. Utilize the Airmen Against Drunk Driving Program, take a taxi or make arrangements to spend the night. Having a plan for the evening and the Wingman concept is key to looking out for one another to ensure everyone gets home safely. 

To lessen your chances of becoming involved in a vehicle crash, remember the following: 

- Don't drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
- Drive within the posted speed limits. Speeding is a factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes resulting in over 13,000 lost lives.
- Fatigue and driving are a lethal combination. Do not work an entire shift and then drive long distances. 

Seat belts save lives and are your best defense to preventing or minimizing injuries. Wear your seat belt 100 percent of the time and wear it properly. If you have children, protect them by having them in the appropriate child restraint device. 

The goal this summer is to have zero fatalities and prevent needless mishaps as mentioned above. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Risk management must be incorporated into daily activities. Every commander, supervisor and worker must be committed to avoiding mishaps. 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, continue to focus on safety and take the required measures to protect yourselves and loved ones. 

For more information on safety-related topics, visit the 18th Wing Safety Office Web page by clicking the link on Kadena's secure Web site or call 634-3660. People can also find out the latest sea conditions by watching Armed Forces Network, calling the Kadena Marina at 634-6541 or the 18th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight at 634-4081.