General issues safety message as 101 CDS approaches

  • Published
  • By Maj. Gen. Charles R. Davis
  • Air Armament Center
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As the temperature rises and summer creeps back into the Emerald Coast, we face the growing challenge of ensuring the safety of our military and civilian employees, as well as their families as they venture out to travel and enjoy the nice weather. 

Traditionally, the days between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend are the deadliest for our Air Force family. The increases in injuries and fatalities during this time are generally attributed to nicer weather and thus, increased outdoor activity. The potential for mishaps climbs by way of military members' increased highway travels and recreational activities during these holidays. 

This is why the Air Force continues with heavy emphasis on its Summer Safety Campaign - the "101 Critical Days," which focuses on the reduction of preventable mishaps.

This period marks an increase in mishap potential and a need for heightening situational awareness. In 2008, the Air Force experienced 16 fatalities during the 101 Critical Days. As in past years, motor vehicle fatalities accounted for most of our losses. If historical analysis is to be heeded, this year several Air Force members will lose their lives in preventable off-duty mishaps. 

Our goal, as always at Eglin, is to reduce mishaps to an absolute minimum and eliminate the potential for a fatality.

If planning for our summer activities does not include risk management, we are setting ourselves up for disaster. Recreational pastimes during the campaign period are inherently hazardous. Of key importance are the increases in motorcycle usage and water activities. Let me be clear -- I think everyone should enjoy challenging and exciting off-duty activities. I do many myself. 

However, I only ask you do what every pilot does before he or she gets in a jet -- think through all the things that could go wrong and have a plan to prevent or handle any adverse result. Have a safe plan, stick to it, and only adjust it when safety has been compromised.

I want all of Team Eglin to have a safe and enjoyable summer. A single loss affects far more than just the one individual -- your families, Eglin AFB, and our Air Force will suffer. Have fun, recharge the batteries, but come back to us.