Team Dover enters Critical Days of Summer Published May 24, 2012 By Senior Airman Matthew Hubby 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Critical Days of Summer is a safety campaign observed annually by Dover Air Force Base, Del. It runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, encompassing 101 days in which Airmen are tasked with keeping safe during the heightened risk of the summer months. According to the Department of Defense, highway fatalities, particularly from motorcycle accidents, feature as the majority of summertime deaths. Major risks include driving while tired or distracted. This year's theme, "Safety - Make it Personal!" highlights the fact that safety is everyone's responsibility. Dover AFB will begin their campaign with a safety send-off May 24, partnering with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety and their "Click-it or Ticket" campaign. "We'll be doing hello-and-goodbye car giveaways," said Kevin Greene, chief of ground safety with the 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office. "We'll be handing out things to people as they come on-and-off base on Thursday, working with our state counterparts to ensure everyone starts their summer off as safe as possible." The safety office will also publish weekly safety information modules. Each module will contain a different safety topic, as well as tips and data to help Team Dover remain safe. During July, Street Smart, an annual public education, awareness and behavioral change campaign, will be arriving at Dover AFB to help educate Team Dover on the challenges of pedestrian and bicyclist safety. While last summer saw a decline in fatalities, 92 deaths compared to 124 the year prior, DoD officials still want military members to remain vigilant. "Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to stay safe over the summer season," said Greene. "The safety office is always here as a mentor to teach and advise anyone who wants to know more about safety, both on-and-off duty."