Leaders stress summer safety

Published May 27, 2008
By Janie Santos
Air Force News Agency

SAN ANTONIO -- In a joint Letter to Airmen, the Air Force secretary and chief of staff emphasize the importance of safety during the days between Memorial Day to Labor Day, the 101 Critical Days of Summer.

Air Force Secretary Michael W. Wynne and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley want Airmen to be more attuned to personal risk management and to be a wingman -- watching out for each other.

"The leading cause of fatal mishaps during the 101 Critical Days of Summer continues to be off-duty private motor vehicle mishaps followed by water sports and drowning," Secretary Wynne and General Moseley said.

Air Force safety statistics show this time of increased risk results in more mishaps, especially in off-duty activities. Last year 19 Airmen died during this 101-day period.

"Whether traveling at excessive speeds, driving while fatigued, failing to fasten seatbelts, drinking then driving, or not using personal flotation devices, the sad news is that all of these mishaps were preventable," they said.

The leaders said that Air Force Safety can provide key support tools which include analytical surveys, historical trends and support for commanders from the major command to squadron levels. The goal is to target Airmen in high risk categories, and directors and commanders will take the lead in this effort.

This joint Letter to Airmen along with other senior viewpoints are found in the Library section of Air Force Link.