JOINT BASE CHARLESTON. S.C. –
There is a certain amount of risk involved in all activities including those related to celebrations. As we prepare to enter the holiday season, we must keep safety in mind to help ensure that we create pleasant, joyous memories instead of tragic ones. The Holiday Safety Campaign 2011 covers the period of Nov. 18, 2011 through Jan. 3, 2012. The first holiday to occur during the campaign is Thanksgiving. Two areas of concern for the Thanksgiving holiday are holiday driving and stress. Here are some safety tips.
Thanksgiving holiday driving
· In 2010, 42 million Americans traveled by car between Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend and it's likely there will be at least as many vehicles on the road this Thanksgiving.
· More traffic congestion means more risk.
· Don't get frustrated by traffic congestion. Expect it and keep your cool.
· Drive reasonable distances. Take a break every two hours.
· If you feel tired, pull over. Coffee doesn't replace rest.
· Do most driving during daylight hours.
· Use the Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS). TRiPS is:
- An automated, online risk assessment tool.
- For road trips of 250 miles or more.
- Helps drivers recognize risks associated with their travel plans and reduce them!
- TRiPS can be found at :
Air Force:
https://trips.safety.army.mil/af
Navy
https://trips.safety.army.mil/navy
Army :
https://safety.army.mil/TRiPS
Marines:
https://trips.safety.army.mil/marines
Coast Guard:
https://trips.safety.army.mil/cg
· To ensure your next trip is a round trip .... use TRiPS!
Holiday Stress
The holidays can be very stressful. Many mishaps occur when individuals are stressed. Make a plan to enjoy the holidays without the unnecessary stress. Some examples of making good plans to enjoy the holidays and help prevent stress include:
· Make a realistic plan and stick to it.
· Stick to your budget.
· Make time for yourself.
· Commit to a healthy eating plan.
· Keep your exercise routine.
· Identify how much social time is best.
A good thing about holiday stress is that it's predictable. Unlike many other types of
negative stress we encounter in life, we know when holiday stress will begin and
end, and we can make plans to reduce the amount of stress we experience
and the negative impact it has on us. For more information on causes of
holiday stress and ways to minimize it, visit the following website:
http://stress.about.com.