Don't let safety get lost in holiday hustle, bustle Published Nov. 17, 2009 By Terry Walker 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season and not think about safety. For the Air Force Safety Center, the holiday season, which runs from the day before Thanksgiving to the day after New Years, can be one of the most dangerous times of the year. Over the last five years there has been an average of six deaths a year over the holidays: 14 were the result of car accidents, seven motorcycle incidents and the rest involved miscellaneous sports/recreation activities and a pedestrian death. "Although we've seen the numbers of fatalities drop an average of four a year, it's important to practice good mishap prevention measures throughout the holiday season because one death is too many," said William C. Redmond, Air Force Safety Center executive director. The mishap prevention measures recommended by the safety center are: · have and be a good wingman · know what your "good" travel plan is · know that drinking and driving don't mesh · know that seatbelt use and personal protection equipment when riding a motorcycle are essential for your survival · make sure commanders and supervisors know where their people are and how they're getting there "One of the main contributors to mishaps is fatigue," Mr. Redmond said. "Working 10-12 hour days and then trying to drive at the end of that has the same effect as having a drink--your alertness and cognitive skills and ability to react all decrease." Paul Carlisle, Air Force deputy chief of ground safety, said "The safety and health of our Airmen is very important to us so we give our Airmen the tools to help them remember to practice risk management in everything they do on- or off-duty. One of the tools the safety center provides is the TRiPS software on the AFSC Web site. "It allows commanders, Airmen and supervisors to communicate with each other when planning a trip. There are also unit risk assessment and designated driver programs on the Web site," Mr. Carlisle said. "We also feel that direct supervisor involvement is critical," he added. "Since this is the Year of the Air Force Family, one of our safety goals is to have family members act as a resource to keep their Airmen safe." "Alcohol use, reckless behavior and not wearing seatbelts are the top three contributors to motor vehicle accidents and fatalities," Mr. Carlisle said. "It's important," he continued, "that each of our Airmen look out for each other and remind each other that we're responsible for our actions." Additionally, one of the more serious motor vehicle problems is speed. Mr. Carlisle said that, "faster highway speed limits mean longer stopping distances. For example, in a car traveling 55 mph, reaction time is 151 feet and the total breaking distance is 273 feet. In a car going 75 mph, the reaction time is 281 feet and braking distance is 447 feet." "It's very important that we are aware of our location on the road and distance from the driver in front of us at all times." Mr. Redmond continued, "Mishap prevention is a 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year job. You have to always be a great wingman to the Airmen you work with, your family, friends and children." "Our main message this holiday season is to prevent reckless behavior and fatalities ," Mr. Redmond emphasized. "If we can wear the proper equipment, don't speed, wear seatbelts and practice personal risk management, I know lives will be saved this holiday season."