7/12/2011 - ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The summer safety programs of the Air National Guard kicked off June 21.
Though the Air Guard traditionally uses the active-duty Air Force's safety campaigns for summer, this year Airmen will see a change to focus more on motorcycle safety and awareness.
"This year is the year of motorcycle safety, so they're focusing more specifically on motorcycle safety issues and awareness, because that has been (a rising) trend in the last few years," said Col. Doug Slocum, the director of safety for the Air National Guard.
Slocum said motorcycle safety emphasis is the biggest change to the summer safety campaign of the Air Guard, which falls under the Air Force's Critical Days of Summer campaign.
"The Air Guard, in conjunction with the Air Force, always has its ... Critical Days of Summer campaign where we focus on many things related to summer activities and people being outside more," he said.
"If you look at the statistics, (summer) is when we see a higher rate of incidents and mishaps ... so the focus is on training and programs associated with outdoor activities," he said.
Slocum said motorcycles seemed like the perfect thing on which to focus, especially given the fact that they are usually ridden by less-experienced riders and after long periods when they are stored for the off season.
He said he does not want Airmen to forget about the other areas where safety can be an issue, such as sports and recreational activities, fishing -- especially at night -- and other water activities.
"We want Airmen to keep the wingman ethos in mind," Slocum said. "Check yourself and each other and make sure we're making smart decisions, because all it takes is one voice to make a difference and stop something that is unsafe from happening."
Slocum said he personally feels that safety should be emphasized all year long.
"How we go about our business in a safe way should not change simply because of the season," he said. "Thinking in this manner is a great way for Airmen to incorporate safe practices into their everyday lives as well."
