Air Force announces "101 Critical Days of Summer" campaign

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The Air Force annual "Critical Days of Summer" campaign began May 22 and ends Sept. `7. Traditionally, this is a period when mishap rates "soar," according to Roger Anderson, chief of Safety, 42nd Air Base wing safety office.

He said activities such as boating, yard work, playing sports, riding motorcycles and bicycles, swimming and barbecuing increase during the summer.

Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz stress that this year's campaign is focusing on traffic safety, alcohol awareness, fatigue, and drowning prevention.

In a letter to all Air Force personnel, Secretary Donley and General Schwartz said "reaching our goal of zero accidents and fatalities requires every Airman to be a wingman, mentor and safety leader. Whether it is personal leadership in risk management or calling 'knock it off' as appropriate, you must be proactive in your approach to saving lives this summer."

Mr. Anderson said, "Safety is everyone's responsibility." He said everyone should be aware of their surroundings and dangers associated with summer activities.

"Automobile-related accidents and fatalities might be prevented through educating personnel to be alert to dangerous situations.  Utilizing operational risk management and personnel risk management will reduce your chances of having a summer mishap," he said.

Using risk management, Mr. Anderson emphasized three key areas of not accepting unnecessary risk, making risk decisions at the appropriate level, and accepting risk when benefits outweigh the costs.

Mr. Anderson said people should be reminded that drinking alcohol and driving definitely causes a dangerous situation.  He said that includes drinking and driving cars, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, and also bicycles.

In fiscal year 2008, the Air Force had 43 off-duty fatalities.  So far for fiscal year 2009, there have been 29 off-duty fatalities.

Other summer activities that could prove hazardous are jogging, camping, cooking outdoors, and fireworks.  Mr. Anderson said no one should forget the extreme summer heat and take precautions accordingly.