“Decisions Matter” During the Critical Days of Summer 2016 Published May 17, 2016 By 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- This year's Critical Days of Summer Safety Campaign begins on Friday May 27, 2016, and ends on September 6. The campaign stretches from Memorial Day to Labor Day with an emphasis on "Decisions Matter" which is this year's campaign theme. The decisions we make become even more critical when it comes to participating in high risk activities or activities that are unusual or dangerous. Good decision making is key to mishap prevention. Most mishaps are preventable and mishap investigations often reveal that poor planning, poor judgment and/or poor decision making were involved. The increase in daylight hours and favorable weather provide many opportunities for high risk activities and long distance travel that if not properly planned for can lead to disaster. Keep in mind that driving while fatigued can be just as deadly as driving while intoxicated. Make sure you buckle up 100 percent of the time and ensure all of your family members do the same. Seat belt use saves lives and minimizes injuries which statistics show to be true year after year. Always have a plan to ensure you get home safely if you will be consuming alcohol. Motor vehicle safety is at the forefront of this year's campaign. The Air Force continues to lose Airmen every year in either motorcycle mishaps or 4-wheel private motor vehicle mishaps. Unfortunately, this does not change from year to year. Air Force wide, 14 Airmen lost their lives during the summer months last year. Five were involved in motorcycle mishaps, four in 4-wheel private motor vehicles and four were involved in drownings. The remaining mishap involved an individual who fell off a golf cart and struck their head resulting in a fatality. Again, poor decision making or poor judgment played a factor in these mishaps. Tips to mitigate or decrease the number of mishaps and fatalities relies on Airmen and their families applying risk management principles and knowing the hazards associated with their activities and taking steps to eliminate or reduce the risk. In addition, having a Wingman is critical. We must show concern for our fellow Airmen and take the steps to help each other make the right decisions and/or remove them from a potentially dangerous situation. So whether you are about to jump out of an airplane, water ski, go to the beach or make a simple road trip, always have a good plan. Our goal is to have zero fatalities this summer; a little planning will ensure you return safe and sound to work after a fun filled summer.