Pillars of resiliency: Safe travel for the holidays

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  From Christmas to Hanukkah and everything in-between, millions of American's, including Airmen all over the world, are preparing for holiday visits with family.

As families prepare to travel all over the world, it's important to remember to take the time to carefully plan trips out to avoid last minute and poorly planned long distance travel.

"Poor planning is a recipe for disaster," said Donald Cox, 47th Flying Training Wing occupational safety and health specialist. "It all falls under the risk management umbrella, from weather issues to congested roadways, people in a hurry are at greater risk. You must plan for the entire trip. Do you have alternate plans? What happens if the weather goes south?"

According to the United States Department of Transportation, the Thanksgiving and Christmas' season have a 54 percent increase in passenger travel over the rest of the year; most by personal vehicle.

This high volume of traffic on American roads means it's more important than ever to practice risk reduction before travel.

"When managing risks on the road, there are the immediate risks handled by scanning the roads as you drive," Cox said. "There is also the planning stuff such as vehicle condition, weather forecasts and travel time. You can't abate all hazards, but that is what risk management is about. You may know you are headed towards snow but is your vehicle prepared?" 

Careful and deliberate risk management can help prevent problems from turning holiday travel into a tragedy, explained Cox. Simply put, risk management, when on the road, is plain old defensive driving and common sense.

In addition to careful planning, Airmen must also be aware of the additional requirements placed on them prior to travel, explained Cox.

Just like with official travel, Airmen under the age of 26 must have a pre-departure safety briefing before going on leave and it must be documented on an Air Education and Training Command Form 29B. Additionally, all travelers, regardless of age and rank, must not drive more than 10 hours during a 24-hour period, should avoid night driving, get plenty of sleep each day of travel, check vehicle condition and ensure they have adequate funds for the trip. All of these are a form of risk management designed to prevent accidents.

"Historically the department suffers an increased number of preventable off-duty fatalities between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, which are exceptionally heartbreaking during a season devoted to celebrating with friends and family," said Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. "Before the holidays begin, please reinforce throughout your organizations and activities the importance of safety and the need for good judgment."

This story is part of an ongoing series addressing some of the issues Airmen face during the holidays.