Air Force leaders send summer safety message

  • Published
  • By Janie W. Santos
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
The Air Force's top leaders have issued a Critical Days of Summer safety message to alert Airmen to exercise good personal judgment to avoid engaging in a reckless manner. 

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy reminded the force that many summer-related mishaps and deaths are preventable. 

"As we approach the summer months, it is important to reiterate the importance of safety and risk management as we increase participation in outdoor sports and recreation, whether at home or deployed," they said. "Every year, we lose Airmen in summer-related mishaps, many of which are preventable. This summer, our goal is zero  preventable mishaps."
 
"Last summer we lost 21 Airmen. Eighteen of those died in private motor vehicle crashes, and 71 percent of summer-related fatalities involved reckless behavior," they said.

The safety message encourages summer fun with family, friends and fellow Airmen, but points out ways to minimize risk by rejecting reckless behavior, using the right protective equipment and engaging in risk management.

They also ask Airmen to act and care for others by recognizing and responding to those in distress.

"This year, there have already been more suicides than private motor vehicle fatalities; we must be vigilant for our own well-being and that of our wingman," they said. 

This  message in addition to other senior viewpoints can be found in Viewpoints section of AF.mil.