Summer not a time for complacency

  • Published
  • By Masao Doi
  • Air Force Safety Center
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  Summer is hot. That's the theme for this year's Critical Days of Summer campaign, which kicked off May 27.

By now, you've read the summer safety messages in the base paper, or heard them from your supervisor, commander and safety professionals at all levels. These messages include knowing the risks, having a plan and being a good wingman.

You've been enjoying the summer weeks so far and probably think everything is going well. Did you know that we'll be into the seventh week of CDS July 8, and for the past two years, the Air Force has lost two or more times more Airmen between now and Labor Day than in all of May and June combined? In fact, we lost 14 out of 21 and 14 out of 16 Airmen in 2009 and 2010 respectively, to both on- and off-duty preventable fatalities.

Those are alarming statistics because our goal is zero mishaps and fatalities. Now, it's as important as ever to set the safety example every day. Summer is not the time for complacency. As the weeks go by, don't let your guard down. Stay alert and reinforce safety at every opportunity you get with your family, co-workers or Airmen and civilians who work for you.

And, if you need other reasons, think of who's waiting for you at the dinner table. Take a peek at your little ones in the back seat of your car. Consider your co-workers, friends and others who count on you every day.

Summer is hot, but complacency can be dangerous. All of you are important to our Air Force and you mean a lot to those around you. So, stay safe this summer. We look forward to seeing you in the fall.