‘101 critical days’ begin on Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott Elliott
  • Air Force Print News
If statistics hold true, 21 airmen will die this summer while “having fun.”

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a period of increased off-duty injuries caused by increased activity and risk taking, according to officials from the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

“The ‘101 Critical Days of Summer’ safety campaign draws attention to increased safety awareness and risk management during this critical time,” said John Russell, the center’s chief of ground safety.

Russell said the elevated mishap rate is caused by people taking advantage of summer weather for sports and recreational activities, and hitting the road for vacations.

Over the last five years, the Air Force has lost an average of 21 members during summer. Of those off-duty fatalities, Russell said 70 percent are in the 18- to 25-year-old age group.

“The most significant loss of life among Air Force members involves private motor vehicles,” he said. “These are tragic and preventable mishaps.”

Driving while impaired, speeding and fatigue were the leading contributing factors in the fatal motor vehicle mishaps, Russell said.

Motorcycle mishaps accounted for about one-third of the Air Force’s fatal motor vehicle accidents. Lack of proficiency, speeding and impaired driving were the primary contributors to the fatal two-wheeled incidents, said Russell.

“Personal safety is the responsibility of each Air Force member, and risk management is a vital part of all activities,” Russell said. “We must be constantly vigilant by analyzing risks, making smart decisions and reassessing risks during the activity.”

Safety officials offer the following factors to consider when planning summer travel:

-- Wear seatbelts.

-- Remain alert while at the wheel and plan rest breaks at frequent intervals.

-- Don’t speed in an effort to arrive early –- it is better to arrive late than not arrive at all.

-- Don’t drink alcohol and drive.

-- Anticipate the unexpected and be ready to react.

More than anything else, Russell said airmen and their families should use common sense during the summer, paying particular attention to their surroundings, so that each and every one remains safe and ready to support the Air Force mission.

“People are our most valuable resource,” he said. “We need all of them back safe and sound when that vacation comes to a close.”