Edwards Critical Days of Summer campaign launches this weekend

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team,
 
We are approaching the Memorial Day weekend and this year's Critical Days of Summer campaign. We've worked hard this year and you all deserve some relaxation with your friends and families. I just ask you to keep safety in mind when you enjoy recreational activities or as you travel to and from your destinations.

When we stop and think, we all know what safe behavior is and yet every year thousands of preventable accidents occur. Conservative estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tell us someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-impaired-driving crash every 45 minutes and over 1,500 deaths every year are a result of fatigue. These are all unnecessary. Be proactive and use risk management principles to prevent becoming a statistic.

When enjoying recreational activities especially those involving watercraft or all-terrain vehicles, apply the same discipline you use while at work. I also need to mention that motorcycles continue to have the highest fatality rate within the DOD. If you ride, take necessary precautions. Wear your personal protective equipment, help yourself be seen, stay mentally alert, and ride with a safety attitude.

No matter what you do, stay in control at all times and avoid using alcohol to excess. The Air Force has already lost many lives this year in both on- and off-duty accidents. Please don't be the next one.

Monitor yourself, your friends and your families for complacency, fatigue, distraction, or intentional risky behavior. A culture of safety takes a team effort.

Thanks for all you do on a daily basis to demonstrate that Team Edwards spirit. Have a great summer!