Summer safety critical to mission Published May 20, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Nick Przybyciel MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- With warm weather just around the corner, the Air Force is doing its best to prevent off-duty fatalities, which typically spike during the summer months. The 101 Critical Days of Summer, an Air Force safety awareness program that began in the early 1980s, begins May 26. Wing safety Airmen are already gearing up for the season. "Summer is a wonderful time to relax, enjoy the outdoors and to spend time with friends and family," said Maj. Kevin Welin, 446th Airlift Wing chief of safety. "It is also a time that the numbers of accidents and fatalities go up. Do not let your guard down or fail to use your common sense - this will only lead to foolish things." To help Reservists avoid those "foolish things," the Airmen in the wing safety office will be on the offensive. "We'll be sending out briefings to safety reps, and then we'll have a mass briefing in June," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Engstrom, from the 446th Airlift Wing safety office. Last summer, the Air Force witnessed a continuing trend in decreased fatalities. Overall, there were 18 fatalities, compared to 29 the year before. "Since 2001, we've seen the numbers decreasing steadily," Sergeant Engstrom said. He attributes a drop in fatalities to awareness programs such as 101 Critical Days of Summer. "I think [awareness programs] coupled with the Wingman program is responsible for the drop in fatalities. Most of it is just watching out for your buddy," said Sergeant Engstrom. "During the summer, people are out there water skiing, hiking - doing all those things - mainly with friends. They need to look out for each other." The 2006 campaign focused on motorcycle mishaps, an area considered to be preventable by Air Force leaders. "Last year, we had a big push on motorcycle safety. As a result, motorcycle fatalities went down by 30 percent. That will still be targeted this year. The Air Force is encouraging riders to take the experienced rider course," Sergeant Engstrom said. The Reserve safety representatives here will also push messages tailored to this geographical location. "For the Northwest in general, we emphasize water safety and (responsible) alcohol usage," Sergeant Engstrom said. Every year, according to the safety NCO, the safety office staff sees a lot of people in this area who drown because of drinking alcohol and swimming. Adequate preparation is another way to avoid having a day in the park turn into a disaster. "Poor planning when people go out on their day trips is usually what gets them in trouble," Sergeant Engstrom said. Not using sound decision-making also gets Reservists in trouble. Using operational risk management principles should help with that aspect of staying safe. "The ORM principles work on or off duty and should be a normal way of decision making," said Major Welin. "We have several resources for folks to learn more about ORM - what it is and how to use it." The 101 Critical Days of Summer awareness program will run until Sept. 5. ORM, 101 Critical Days of Summer and safety-related articles can be found at the following Web links: 446 AW/SE Share Point https://446aw.mcchord.af.mil/AWstaff/SE/default.aspx Air Force Safety Center 101 Critical Days of summer 2007 Safety Campaign http://afsafety.af.mil/seg/101Days/101Days.shtml Air Force Safety Center 2007 Holiday Safety Campaign http://afsafety.af.mil/seg/Holiday_Safety/Holiday_Safety.shtml AFRC 101 Critical Days of summer 2007 Safety Campaign https://wwwmil.se.afrc.af.mil/101_Days/AFRC_101_Days_of_Summer.htm AFRC ORM advisor and safety Page https://wwwmil.afrc.af.mil/orm/advisor.htm