USAFE kicks off 101 Critical Days of Summer

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jennifer Lovett
  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  U.S. Air Forces in Europe kicks off its annual 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign May 27 with two distinct goals -- zero fatalities and a 25-percent reduction in specific mishaps.

During the past seven summers, USAFE has experienced 12 fatalities in 11 mishaps, and all of those mishaps involved privately owned vehicles.

“Commanders are directed to hold a commander’s safety call to convey their personal concerns for the safety of their unit personnel,” according to the USAFE Safety Office. “They should emphasize impaired or fatigued driving, excessive speed for the present conditions, vehicle restraints and pretrip planning.”

During the 2005 101 Critical Days campaign, the Air Force experienced 29 fatalities compared with 32 the previous year.

“As in past years, motor vehicle fatalities accounted for most of the Air Force losses --18 to private motor vehicle mishaps,” according to the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. “Some of the factors in these mishaps included speeding, not using seat belts or helmets, and alcohol.”

The second USAFE goal for the 101 Critical Days is a 25-percent mishap reduction in POV, sports and recreation and industrial accidents.

According to the USAFE Safety Office, sports and recreation mishaps represented the highest nonfatal summer mishap category for USAFE in 2005 followed by industrial work-related mishaps. Although PMV mishaps represent comparatively low incident numbers, it remains the most significant category due to the number of fatalities.

The "Critical Days" campaign began in the early 1970s as a way to reduce the large number of Air Force off-duty fatalities in the summer months.

"Historically, this is a period of high risk because people are doing more," said Herm Dean, chief of ground safety operations at the Air Force Safety Center in a 2003 interview. "People are outside traveling, swimming, camping -- doing the things they've wanted to do all winter."

Mr. Dean suggests using a simple three-step process -- A-C-T -- to help prevent mishaps.

"Assess the risk, consider your options, take appropriate action," Mr. Dean said. "It's easy, like crossing the street. You would never cross without looking left and right first."

The 101 Critical Days begin at 4 p.m. on May 26 during Memorial Day weekend, and lasts until 7 a.m. Sept. 5 after Labor Day weekend.