2010 Critical Days campaign goes "Back to Basics"

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  It's back to basics for the 2010 Critical Days of Summer Campaign, which starts May 28 and lasts until Sept. 7.

This summer's campaign focuses on motor-vehicle safety, said Lt. Col. Donald Whitley, 512th Airlift Wing Safety Office chief.

The majority of mishaps in the Air Force each year are due to two and four-wheel vehicle crashes, according to Air Force Safety Center statistics. Of the 22 Airmen fatalities last summer, 86 percent were due to motor-vehicle accidents, of which 33 percent were alcohol related.

"People tend to drink more alcohol and less water during holiday functions," said Colonel Whitley. "Combine that with the high temperatures, and not only will you dehydrate faster, but your blood-alcohol content will be higher."

Fatigue is also a safety hazard when driving.

Daylight hours are longer during the summer months, said Tech. Sgt. James Duff, 512th AW Safety Office. "People try to fit five days worth of activities into a two-day weekend. Before they know it, they've been awake for more than 16 hours."

Planning ahead can prevent fatigue.

"If you think you can drive from sun-up to sun-down, most likely you're not going to make it to your destination without getting tired," said Colonel Whitley. "You need a stopping plan with frequent rest stops. You shouldn't drive until nightfall or wait until you start to doze off to make a pit stop."

In addition to fatigue, summer-road construction can be a player when it comes to accidents.

"Construction and an increase in summer drivers not only can lead to backed-up traffic, but to road rage," said Sergeant Duff. "Add heat and it's a recipe for disaster. They key is planning out your day and leaving room for the unknown, because you never know what can go wrong."

Keeping the unknown in mind, it's a good idea for drivers to keep an emergency roadside-vehicle kit handy, said Sergeant Duff. Internet searches for "car survival kit," produce numerous Web sites that suggest what to put in a kit for different seasons. There are also companies that sell ready-made kits for purchase.

Vehicle should be inspected before long road trips, said Sergeant Duff. Proper inspections and routine maintenance will decrease the likelihood of having to utilize an emergency road-side kit.

Remaining cognizant of two-wheeled vehicles on the road can help ward of accidents as well.

The Air Force Safety Center indicates in 90 percent of motorcycle accidents, the operator was not at fault, he said. In those cases, the driver who caused the collision made the mistake because of a lack of awareness.

All things said, Airmen and family members can still make the most of their summer, as long they take the proper safety precautions and apply common sense, said Colonel Whitley.

For more information the Critical Days of Summer Campaign, contact the 512th AW Safety Office at (302) 677-3812 or visit the Air Force Safety Center Web site at http://www.afsc.af.mil/index.asp.

For travel planning and information go to https://crcapps2.crc.army.mil/TRiPS/af/login.aspx