Critical Days of Summer kicks off Published May 23, 2012 Air Mobility Command Safety Office SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Critical Days of Summer 2012 safety campaign begins at 4 p.m. Friday and ends at 7 a.m. on Sept. 4. Team Scott's leadership's goal is to heighten activity awareness so each Airman will make their safety a personal choice. The theme this year is "Safety--It's Personal." This year Team Scott will be directed to attend one of the two presentations at the base theater. Afterwards personnel in attendance will also have the chance to participate in and interact with numerous on- and off-base organizations with a safety message or information. The majority of summer mishaps are a result of poor risk management. "In many of these situations, its co-workers and friends who are the final barrier between a good time and a life-impacting disaster," said Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., Air Mobility Command commander. Of the 92 Air Force members who lost their lives during the past five summers, 10 were AMC members. Over 70 percent of these mishaps listed both alcohol and excessive speed as causal factors. A significant threat to safe vehicle operations continues to be distracted driving. Texting, talking on a cell phone, or adjusting the radio take your focus away from the road and can lead to a serious mishap. The recurring themes are excessive speed, alcohol, fatigue and failure to use seat belts. Also there have been 40 suicides in 2012 thus far. "Sadly, we continue to lose more Airmen on the roadways than anywhere else, including combat," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard A. Kaiser, AMC command chief. "If you ride a motorcycle, like I do, your risk increases exponentially. Specialized training courses are available that will increase your skills and ability to recognize potential hazards. Seatbelts and helmets improve your chances of survival in a mishap. Water sports are the second leading cause of accidental death--again alcohol and fatigue are common factors. We must reverse this trend. That starts by taking your safety and that of your family members personally." There were also 128 non-fatal accidents in AMC last summer, most occurred off-duty and involved various outdoor activities such as water sports, backyard cookouts, and other recreational events. The campaign will provide safety information using a series of modules that highlight safety concerns during each of the 15 weeks of the campaign. Following is a break down: · Module 1: "Wingmen: It's Personal--Take Care of Each Other" (Week one) · Module 2: "Sober is Safer: Thinking Then Drinking" (Week two) · Module 3: "Private Motor Vehicles-4--Slow Down; Pay Attention" (Week three) All-Terrain Vehicles (Week four) · Module 4: "Trip Planning" (Week five) · Module 5: "Celebrate the 4th--Live to see the 5th" (Week six) · Module 6: "PMV-2 Ride Smart" Motorcycle (Week seven) Bicycle (Week eight) · Module 7: "Enjoy the Outdoors Safely" (Week nine) "Barbecue Safety Tips" (Week 10) "Beat the Summer Heat" (Week 11) "Summer Weather" (Week 12) · Module 8: "Sports and Recreation, Not Wreck" (Week 13) · Module 9: "Water Safety--Have Fun and Be Safe" (Week 14) · Module 10: "Countering Fatigue" (Week 15) The 375th Air Mobility Wing safety office will also be hosting its 4th Annual Critical Days of Summer Car and Motorcycle Show June 29 to celebrate a safe summer. All Scott AFB personnel (contractors included), family members and retirees are invited to participate. The show will take place at the Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trophies will be presented to the best in each class and overall. Food will be available for purchase. "AMC's goal during this summer is zero fatalities. We need every Airman to be involved--commanders, supervisors, families and individuals," said Johns. "Let's enjoy the summer, but remember that our safety matters to family, friends, and co-workers. 'Safety--It's Personal!'"