101 Critical Days of Summer kicks off Published May 22, 2009 By Master Sgt. Joe Winfield 52 Fighter Wing Safety Office SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- We are about to enter the Air Force's 2009 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This time frame is referred to as the "Critical Days" because of the substantial increase in off-duty mishaps experienced during this period. Traditionally, Air Force mishap numbers are higher during these 101 days because of the additional travel associated with vacationing and the increased participation in recreational events. It should surprise no one that the leading cause -- historically, between 75-80 percent -- of deaths can be attributed to private motor vehicle crashes. Our fiscal year 2008 numbers were consistent with this trend, which has been the average during the last four years. In FY08, 32 of the 43 fatalities -- or 75 percent -- involved PMVs. During the FY08 "Critical Days" the Air Force lost 17 Airmen. Additionally, and not counted in this trend, were two fatal on-duty motor vehicle mishaps. It seems that once people get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they leave supervision, checklists, operational instructions, etc. behind. It is when they are on their own like this that disaster usually strikes. Unfortunately, we had one fatality in U.S. Air Forces in Europe during FY08. We're doing great compared to the rest of the Air Force; however, that's still one fatality too many. It is rare for a car crash to be so simple that it has only one cause. Most crashes are the result of a complex sequence of events that come together at a particular point in time; the scene of the mishap. The circumstances and causes may have been different in all of our fatalities, but there was definitely one thing they all had in common -- they were preventable. In practically every instance, operator error was a factor. It may have manifested itself as inattention, driving too fast, exercising poor judgment, driving under the influence of alcohol. But in the final analysis, every vehicle operator could have changed his or her behavior in some manner and prevented the resulting tragedy. These Airmen unfortunately lacked the necessary discipline to do this, and they paid with their lives. So far this fiscal year, the Air Force has already experienced 27 fatal PMV mishaps. Our numbers are already up -- way up -- and we barely entered the "101 Critical Days of Summer." There are no magic formulas to get people to exercise common sense and good judgment when they're behind the wheel. All Airmen must know they aren't invincible. Even though accidents can -- and will -- happen to all of us if we aren't careful, commanders and supervisors can mitigate some of them by continuing to stress the big three: speed, alcohol and seat belts. We need to all dispel the myth that mishaps only happen to the other guy. Let's face it; there is nothing wrong with taking that long-awaited summer vacation road trip or visiting your favorite beach or campsite. Just take the time to apply personal risk management to your particular situation and circumstances. What exactly does this mean? Simply put -- think before you act. Transfer those professional risk management principles you practice every day on the job to your personal lives this summer. Ask yourself what could possibly go wrong and then take preventive actions where necessary. Be prepared when you decide to take a trip to the beach, the great outdoors or other type of family outing. If you take your PMV, be sure to take a first-aid kit and a roadside emergency kit that contains flares. Proper clothing, supplies, food, water and protective equipment will also ensure you have an enjoyable and successful trip. Plan for things to not go exactly as planned. With the focus of the "101 Critical Days of Summer" campaign on summer safety, be sure to incorporate safe practices at work, as well. Manning is usually short this time of year due to leave schedules, deployments and a pretty high operations tempo. Because of these factors, it may take longer to do the job right the first time, but make sure you do just that. Strict compliance with technical data, checklists and regulatory requirements is a must. Bottom line: Do the right things, the right way, and incorporate safety into everything you do. The "101 Critical Days of Summer" do not have to be our most hazardous time of year. You can make the difference for the Air Force, for USAFE and the 52nd Fighter Wing. The record for FY09 safety is in the hands of each and every one of us. Remember, every mishap is preventable, and we all must do our part to promote safety. Do it for your unit, for yourself and most importantly, your family. Have an enjoyable and safe summer.