Critical Days of Summer videos aim to save Airmen's lives

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  The Air Force chief of staff and the Air Force top safety officer appear in videos to launch the service's annual Critical Days of Summer safety campaign, which begins May 22 and ends Sept. 7. 

Gen. Norton Schwartz appears in a video calling for everyone to be proactive in saving lives during this high-risk season, and Maj. Gen. Frederick F. Roggero, the commander of the Air Force Safety Center, asks Airmen to apply their situational awareness and take actions to manage risk both on and off duty. 

Air Force officials runs the summer safety campaign because Airmen are most active, and face the most risk, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

"Being safe doesn't mean avoiding all risk," General Roggero said. "Being safe means knowing the risks involved in what you're doing, on and off duty, and taking steps to defend yourself and your wingmen; at all times."

As part of the Air Force's continuing effort to save Airmen's lives, driving safety is an area of special emphasis. Since Sept. 11, 2001, nearly eight times more Airmen died in vehicle mishaps than in combat. 

General Roggero also speaks of the need for Airmen to manage the risks involved in riding motorcycles and in recreational activities, such as water sports. 

"The bottom line is to be smart about the dangers you face: on the job, at home and on the road," he said. "By applying common sense and a few moments' thought, we can make the summer of 2009 the Air Force's safest summer ever. Remember, Air Force safety is no accident." 

To watch the Critical Days of Summer video from the Air Force Safety Center, click here.