New gate surveillance up and running

  • Published
  • By Courtesy of USAFE Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  "We've made a much bigger push this year with awareness to motor
vehicle accidents and motorcycle safety," said Colonel Brenkert, citing the
recent change in motorcycle helmets. "The helmet-wear requirement for
Europe changed and half-helmets are no longer in compliance with the
law." 

The focus on vehicle safety has seen the number of injuries related to
vehicle accidents signifi cantly drop from 11 last summer to fi ve this summer,
he said. 

Another safety push this summer was the Safety Road Show, where
offi cials visited seven installations within the command and spoke to more
than 11,500 people about safety issues, concerns and precautions.
In addition to vehicle safety, the other two primary focus areas are onduty
accidents and sports and recreation. When adding those categories
into the mix, the Air Force has lost 17 members this summer.
Although USAFE does not have any on-duty or sports and recreationrelated
fatalities this summer, there have been numerous injuries - 18 and
21, respectively. 

"Accidents affect more than just the people involved," said General
Hobbins. "They affect friends, family and coworkers. We need to remember
that our safety focus does not end after Labor Day. We must continue
to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of everyone and cannot afford to get
complacent. There is too much at stake, both personally and professionally.