101 Critical Days over; Airmen to remain vigilant with Fall Safety Campaign Published Oct. 8, 2008 By Bekah Clark Air Mobility Command public affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Although Air Mobility Command's 101 Critical Days of Summer ended successfully this year with no fatalities, mobility Airmen must remain on guard this fall season, officials said. "Though the command did fantastically during the 101 Critical Days campaign, we must not lessen our accident and personal injury prevention efforts," said Col. Donald Halpin, AMC director of safety. "Over the past five years, AMC alone has lost six Airmen, and two others sustained permanent disabling injuries, during the fall campaign time frame." To help keep Airmen vigilant, all branches of the armed forces embarked on the first-ever joint service Fall Safety Campaign. The campaign, led by the Air Force during its inaugural year, began Sept. 2 and runs through Nov. 30. The effort aims to lower the fatality rate during the fall. For the last three years, the Autumn season has seen 29 percent more fatalities than summer. Four Airmen already have lost their lives in the first three weeks of this year's campaign, one of whom was an AMC Airman. "We all need to use smart risk management and be good wingmen for one another," said Colonel Halpin. Safety officials said although common household hazards are a concern, traffic safety remains a top priority. "During this campaign, each installation should target their mishap prevention efforts based upon local hazards and needs, but continue to target traffic safety as a critical part of accident and personal injury prevention efforts," said Lt. Gen. Rusty Findley, AMC vice commander. "Now is the time to refresh drivers and motorcycle riders before they encounter the hazards associated with the fall season -- reduced daylight hours, slick roads and low visibility." A safety message from Tom Diveley, 305th Air Mobility Wing safety chief: The words spoken by General Findley and Colonel Halpin are right on point; AMC enjoyed the best 101 Critical Days of summer ever, but the new joint service Fall Safety Campaign brings us back to reality. Personal safety is not just a one-season problem, rather a 365 days a year problem. When we believe the risk of injury is gone -- that is when we need to be on guard the most. The area surrounding McGuire poses a number of hazards; if we fail to plan or analyze the risks, we can become one of the statistics. For example, wet leaves -- Did you know that wet leaves can be as traitorous as ice, a fact that should not be lost during the next few months. More than one Airman or family member has found themselves off the road in a farmer's field because they failed to slow down and they failed to recognize the increased risk. Speaking of ice, although not as prevalent early in the fall, black-ice can be very hazardous. A number of our roads in the area are tree lined; in the early morning, when the sun is rising in the east and even later in the day, areas that are in the shadow of trees will still have black-ice while the area immediate adjacent will be dry because it has been exposed to the sun, again failing to adjust to conditions. A few moments taken prior to a trip can make all the difference in arriving and returning home without incident. The bottom line is, a few minutes of planning (risk management) will add up to many hours of an enjoyable and safe fall season. The 305th AMW safety office is here to assist with defensive driving tips or answer questions about the local area and hazards you may encounter. For questions, call (609) 754-7233.