Stay safe when hot during 101 Critical Days of Summer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In the past, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a time that people are at higher risk for injuries or even fatality due to nice weather and becoming more involved in outdoor activities.

In the early 1970s, Air Force leaders noticed the trend and took action by implementing the safety campaign known as 101 Critical Days of Summer. The leader's intentions were to raise safety awareness while reducing the risk of off-duty mishaps.

"The objective of the Critical Days of Summer Campaign 2011 is to call attention to the tragic loss of Airmen during the summertime and to reenergize risk management concepts used by our Airmen," said Paul Blair, 47th Flying Training Wing ground safety manager. "Since Oct. 1, 1980, this major command has experienced 125 fatalities from the Memorial Day through Labor Day time frame."

Since 2002, the Air Force has experienced 218 fatalities during the critical months. Last year, 16 Airmen were fatally injured; eight to automobile accidents, five to motorcycle mishaps, one to sports and recreational activities and two on-duty.

"Every year the Air Force loses valuable people during the 101 Critical Days of Summer due to various types of off-duty mishaps and accidents," Mr. Blair said. "These tragic losses affect the members' families, friends, and units forever. It is more than 16 times more dangerous for Air Force members to engage in off-duty activities than to be in a combat zone."

Statistically, private motorized vehicles, motorcycles and water accidents are the most dangerous activities for servicemembers and their families. In 2010, the Air Force lost eight people to automobile accidents and five to motorcycle mishap.

"Time and again, safety investigations reveal that most of the catastrophes could have been prevented had the individuals used the wingman concept or risk management techniques to minimize or preferably eliminate risk altogether," Mr. Blair said. "We must ensure Airmen at all levels understand the importance of smart personal risk management."

Fully understanding the risk at hand is imperative. Whether you are hiking or driving home from a cookout, safety is everyone's responsibility.

"The bottom line is, our people are our most valuable asset and we want them protected," said Col. Michael Frankel, 47th FTW commander. "People need to do whatever they can to protect themselves from, themselves."

While the campaign is part time, safety never stops.

"Although this campaign is scheduled from May 27 to Sept. 6, safety is a year-round challenge," the commander added. "We want our folks living and playing safely 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."