101 Critical Days of Summer kicks off Published June 8, 2006 By Lorie Bellamy 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the 101 Critical Days of Summer. This is historically a period when the Air Force experiences more mishaps, particularly during off-duty activities. This is partly due to increased daylight hours and better weather that provides more opportunities for travel and recreation. Unfortunately, many people ignore the risks associated with summer activities. Last year, Air Mobility Command lost five people; three of these individuals were fatally injured while operating sport bikes. Two of the members were operating the motorcycles at a high rate of speed, and the third was operating a motorcycle too fast for road conditions. The fourth Airman drowned while swimming in a public area with friends while under the influence of alcohol. Lastly, the fifth fatality involved an individual who was a backseat passenger in a single-vehicle mishap. The operator of the vehicle lost control on a wet roadway and slid down an embankment into a tree. The member was wearing a seat belt, but suffered fatal injuries. Speed, fatigue, inattentiveness, alcohol use or non-use of seat belts were culprits in many of the fatalities involving Air Force members operating motorcycle or private vehicles last year. Mishaps involving motorcycles or vehicles accounted for the majority of the 29 fatalities involving Air Force members last year. The lack of seat belt use is alarming considering it is a state law and Air Force members are constantly reminded that seat belt use is mandatory and critical to their safety. Drinking and driving simply cannot be tolerated and has been proven time and time again to be a deadly combination. Commanders and supervisors must emphasize risk awareness for their personnel by utilizing operational risk management, or ORM, principles. Each year, many of our Dover team members become injured participating in sports and other outdoor activities, especially swimming and water-related activities. Remember that combining alcohol with swimming increases the potential for a mishap. Swimming in unfamiliar areas and swimming alone should be avoided. When boating, it is advisable to take a boating safety course. Boaters must be alert, sober and wear life jackets when underway. For all sporting activities, use conditioning and stretching exercises and wear your personal protective equipment. Avoid overexertion; the summer heat brings on fatigue more quickly. July, August and September lead the way in the number of fatalities as a result of vehicle crashes. To lessen your chances of becoming involved in a crash, remember the following - don't drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking. Use the Airmen Against Drunk Driving Program, call a friend or take a taxi. Speeding nationwide is a factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes resulting in over 13,000 lost lives. Always drive within the speed limits. Fatigue and driving are a lethal combination. Do not work an entire shift and drive a long distance afterward. Plan your trip to incorporate a stop every few hours and overnight en route if required. The Safety Office has provided ORM worksheets to work centers as a tool to assess the risk for those taking long trips. Safety belts and motorcycle personal protective equipment are proven lifesavers; please use them. Motorcycle safety is critical during this time of year. Military members must complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course before operating a motorcycle on or off base. The Beginners and Experienced Riders courses are taught on base this summer. In addition, any military member owning or operating a sport bike will be required to take AMC-directed sport bike proficiency training consisting of classroom instruction, range exercises, an on-base ride and an off-base ride monitored by instructors and squadron motorcycle mentors. Wing Safety will host the first class in June and will work with squadron motorcycle safety representatives for scheduling. It is critical that motorcycle operators also wear the proper personal protective equipment as required by Department of Defense and Air Force Instructions. Even though helmets are not required in the state of Delaware, they are required to be worn by all active duty members while riding on or off base and on or off duty. Helmets are also required for any rider on a DoD installation. Our goal this summer is to prevent needless injuries and fatalities as mentioned above. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Risk management must be incorporated into our daily activities and we must all think before acting. Every commander, supervisor and worker must be committed to avoiding mishaps. We must continue to focus on safety and take the required measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Have a safe and enjoyable summer. Play hard. Play safe. America needs you.