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Critical Days of Summer safety campaign ends

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Labor Day marked the end of summer and now it's time to reflect on how Team Scott did during a statistical danger zone for safety mishaps.

 

Carelessness and human error have a history of having a negative impact on military members and their families especially during the summer. So practicing caution is stressed through the Air Force's Critical Days of Summer safety campaign.

 

Marilee Reuter, 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office deputy chief, said, "Scott had reduced off-duty mishaps at a time when folks are traveling and participating in a higher number of recreational activities."

 

Because of this, Team Scott had zero fatalities among Airmen during this year's 2014 campaign.

 

The Air Force as a whole has had 16 fatalities in 2014, three were on-duty, which is down from the total number of fatalities in 2013, during which 21 Airmen died.

 

In 2014, Air Mobility Command lost two Airmen, the same number of fatalities in 2013.

 

"I also want to reiterate that every part of the year has its safety risks, so caution should still be taken both on the job and during recreational activities," said Reuter.

 

"Risk: double checks, not second thoughts" is the safety slogan of 2014 that can be applied at any time of year and serve as a reminder to think before jumping into potentially hazardous activities.

 

The Air Force Safety Center suggests tips for year-round precautions.

 

The AFSEC said, "Listen to your body and decrease training time and intensity if pain or discomfort develops. This will reduce the risk of injury and help avoid "burn-out."

 

While driving, especially with the inevitable colder weather in the distance, AFSEC suggests, in conjunction with the National Safety Council, to always being vigilant and making sure that as a driver, one is doing all they can to uphold the safety of themselves and others around them.

 

· Don't drink and drive. Law officials will be in full force focusing attention on impaired drivers.

 

· If you do drink, make arrangements for a designated driver or a taxi.

 

· Wear your seat belt. It is estimated that 148 people may survive collisions this weekend because they will have worn safety belts.

 

· Enforce a distraction-free zone for drivers. This includes cell phones, GPS, etc.

 

· Ensure children are in properly installed safety seats appropriate for their size.

 

· Allow plenty of travel time to prevent speeding and frustration.

 

Reuter said, "Risk Management is the key to preventing mishaps.  Always have a plan; use proper protective gear; wear seatbelts; don't text or drink and drive; Don't be a witness to the next fatality; speak up and stop unsafe activities."