EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - As the Christmas holiday season approaches, the 96th Test Wing Safety Office encourages the Eglin community to practice good safety habits and make sound choices.
“Take care of yourselves, your family and your wingmen,” said Col. Vincent Chioma, 96 TW Chief of Safety. “Think through activities and consider risk management before you start a long drive, attempt to hang those second-floor lights, or entertain guests out on the water. Team Eglin accomplished a lot in 2022 and even more great things are right on the horizon for 2023. We need you to be here with us."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher). In 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in these preventable crashes. In fact, on average over the 10-year period from 2011 - 2020, about 10,500 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes.
In every state, it’s illegal to drive drunk, yet one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in the United States in 2020.
The Air Force Safety Center offers the following driving tips:
Road safety
Weather conditions can be unpredictable at times. A bright, beautiful afternoon could turn rainy in minutes. When days get shorter, you could find yourself commuting to or from work in darkness. Following some basic safety tips while driving can help keep your family safe.
- Buckle up - Yourself and all passengers
- Never place rear-facing infant seats in front of an air bag
- Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat
- Check for recalls and safety issues regularly
- Plan your route - Allow plenty of time for trips and check the weather before traveling
- Familiarize yourself with maps and directions
- Let others know your route and arrival time when traveling
Vehicle maintenance
- Ensure your windshield wipers are in good working order and your windows are clear
- Check your tire pressure once a month - full tires can reduce damage from potholes and other road hazards
- Check headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals to be sure all are working properly
- Check your fluids - oil, anti-freeze, and put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir
- Check your battery and tire tread.
For more information, call 882-7353.