Air Force officials laud zero personal vehicle mishap losses during holiday safety campaign

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  As the 2010 holiday safety campaign comes to completion, Air Force officials reported the service's second consecutive year of no Airman fatalities from personal motor vehicle mishaps between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Air Force senior leaders said the safety program's two-year streak is particularly noteworthy since a fatality-free winter holiday period is not typical.

In 2000, 2001 and 2002, there were three holiday season fatalities per year; four losses in 2003, and two losses per year from 2004 through 2008, said Maj. Gen. Gregory Feest, Air Force chief of safety.

"There is no doubt that this success is due to Airmen being not only smart and caring wingmen, but using good risk management as our leadership continues its strong emphasis on safety," General Feest said.

According to safety officials, this year the holiday safety campaign focused on seven modules. The campaign featured one week each on trip planning; real-time risk management; holiday decorating hazards; winter vehicle preparation; winter sports; alcohol awareness; and slips, trips and falls.

"Following a concerted leadership example from dedicated commanders across the globe, our Airmen and family members continued to be vigilant of the dangers associated with travel, weather and alcohol abuse," said Roberto Guerrero, Air Force deputy chief of safety.

General Feest, who assumed command of the Air Force Safety Center Sept. 1, said the service will continue a robust campaign to keep risk management at the forefront of Airmen's minds to ensure continued success.

(William Walkowiak contributed to this story)