Laughlin enters “The Danger Zone”

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tabish Khan
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force's annual 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign began May 22.
This campaign, running between Memorial Day and Labor Day, aims to reduce accidents during a time when, according to the May 20 edition of the Airman's Roll Call, the Air Force experiences the most off-duty casualties all year. 

The 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign was started in the early 1970's after Air Force leaders recognized this trend. 

There are four prevention areas the campaign plans to focus on this year based on past statistics that highlight alcohol, personal motor vehicle, fatigue, sports and recreational mishaps.

According to the Airman's Roll Call, the Air Force lost an average of 24 Airmen every summer from 1997 to 2008. Last year, 17 Airmen were killed; five to motorcycle mishaps, four to automobile accidents, four to sports and recreation activities, three were pedestrians and one occurred while performing vehicle maintenance.

"Sports and recreational activities such as softball and basketball are common causes for injuries here at Laughlin," said Paul Gomez, a ground safety specialist in the 47th Flying Training Wing safety office. 

With Lake Amistad only miles away it is common for Airmen and their families to partake in water related recreational activities. "Drowning is the main risk for those going out to the lake and overall safety is further compromised by alcohol and carelessness" said Mr. Gomez.

San Antonio also has an abundance of activities which hold their own risks; however, getting there and back can be dangerous as well. 

According to many Laughlin safety briefs deer and other wildlife can make driving this route hazardous especially at night. As always, alcohol, inadequate rest, carelessness or an unreliable vehicle can exponentially multiply the risks. 

It all comes down to "taking care of your wingmen and keeping an eye on each other no matter what activity you're doing," said Mr. Gomez. "We do the 101 Critical Days of Summer every year but we should not take it lightly or become complacent since this is the time when most accidents happen."