101 Critical Days of Summer kicks off

  • Published
  • Courtesy of the 432d Wing Safety Office
CREECH AFB, Nev. --  The 101 Critical Days of Summer starts Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day. During this period, many of us will participate in outdoor summer activities and potentially expose ourselves to increased risk. Whether we are taking trips, mountain biking or enjoying water sports, the summer months bring increased risk due to the nature of the activities we choose, increasing temperatures, and longer daylight hours.

Last year the Air Force tragically lost 16 Airmen during the 101-day period. Out of the 16 losses, 11 were private motor vehicle (PMV) related. Whether traveling at excessive speeds, driving while fatigued, failing to fasten seatbelts, or drinking and driving, all of these mishaps could have been prevented.

At Creech our greatest risk occurs during the commute to and from the base. The road we drive has the seventh-highest fatality rate in Nevada. The six ahead of it are in high-traffic, high-population areas. When in doubt, get and give a ride home, use the park and ride or take advantage of the contingency rooms on the base available to all personnel who are too fatigued to drive home safely.

Combine "the drive" with fatigue from our 24/7 operations and more well-deserved playtime and the result is high potential for mishaps both on- and off-duty. Awareness is the key to mitigating these risks and awareness comes through education. Each of us has the opportunity to break the chain leading to a mishap. Be a good Wingman; be involved with your squadron-mates and help them decrease summertime risk for themselves and their families.

To help ensure success, the 432d Wing Safety office has many support tools available to people at all levels from commander to Airman. These tools include (but are not limited to), mishap statistics based on activity, briefings and high-risk activity information on a variety of subjects. Please contact us or your unit safety representatives if you would like to get more information at 384-1393.

Our ability to accomplish our mission depends upon each of us. Be smart, emphasize risk management and be a good wingman. Enjoy the summer months ahead and be safe!