Safety concerns increase in preparation for summer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With summer almost here, the Air Force Flight Test Center Ground Safety office is asking Team Edwards to ensure they remain safe in everything they do.  

The 101 Critical Days of Summer provides summer safety awareness in an effort to prevent accidents and incidents.

The Air Force created the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign in the 1980s to teach servicemembers ways to stay safe while still having a good time.

"We want to teach people ways that can evaluate risks and minimize or eliminate them before they occur," said Vince Duny, Air Force Flight Test Center chief of safety.

"Most accidents can easily be avoided by planning and making good decisions," said Mr. Duny. "The most common accidents during the summer are vehicle accidents, while grilling and while spending time at the beach."

There are actions people can take while planning a trip as well as while driving to avoid an accident.

"Once you know you're going to drive somewhere, make a plan that includes rest stops and gives you ample time to reach the destination," he said. 

inspect the vehicle and ensure it's capable of making the trip to avoid it breaking down while traveling.

The night before departure is the best time to make all final preparations and load the luggage into the vehicle.

"The night before you leave, double check to make sure you have everything and pack the car," Eddie Fletcher, AFFTC ground safety specialist said. "Don't wait until right before you leave to load your luggage. I've seen drivers who were tired before they even set out on the road because they exerted themselves to packing the car before they left."

Stick to the plan once on the road.

"Don't over extend yourself trying to reach your destination quickly," said Al Lederman, AFFTC Ground Safety specialist. "Trying to extend your vacation by doing all the traveling in one day is not safe. Give yourself ample time to reach your destination and take stops to rest every few hours."

Avoidreckless drivers and defensive driving while on the roads.

"Watch out for other drivers," said Mr. Leaderman. "If the driver behind you is driving recklessly, don't get caught up in it or feel you need to go faster to keep up with them. Just let them go past you and continue driving."

Carefully evaluating the situation and planning will decrease the chances of being involved in a traffic accident and could save a life.

John Kalita, AFFTC ground safety specialist, outlined some effective ways to avoid accidents when grilling.

"When you're grilling keep your kids away," Mr. Kalita said. "They may be curious or want to help but keeping them at a distance is the best way to ensure that they don't burn themselves."

Keep a fire extinguisher close by in the event of a fire and to only grill in a well ventilated area.

The ground safety team also outlined ways beach goers can avoid various dangers.

"The most basic thing somebody can do is wear sun screen," said Mr. Duny. "It's simple and can help people avoid sunburn."

It is also important to stay hydrated.

"A lot of people overlook hydration while they're at the beach," he said. "But with the hot temperatures encountered, hydration should be a primary concern."

Stay sober while operating motorized water vehicles.

"Operating watercraft while intoxicated is just as dangerous as driving a car under the influence," he said. 

The 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign reduces the risk of death or serious injury, things that would transform summer from a time of fun and happiness into a time of pain or despair.

"We aren't trying to take the fun out of summer," said Mr. Duny. "We want to help you to elimanate or at least reduce the risks involved in the activities you take part in."