SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. –
Although Air Mobility Command's 101 Critical Days of Summer ended successfully this year with no fatalities, mobility Airmen must remain on guard this fall season, officials said.
"Though the command did fantastically during the 101 Critical Days campaign, we must not lessen our accident and personal injury prevention efforts," said Col. Donald Halpin, AMC director of safety. "Over the past five years, AMC alone has lost six Airmen, and two others sustained permanent disabling injuries during the fall campaign time frame."
To help keep Airmen vigilant, all branches of the armed forces embarked on the first-ever joint service Fall Safety Campaign. The campaign, led by the Air Force during its inaugural year, began Sept. 2 and runs through Nov. 30.
The effort aims to lower the fatality rate during the fall. For the last three years, the autumn season has seen 29 percent more fatalities than summer. Four Airmen already have lost their lives in the first three weeks of this year's campaign, one of whom was an AMC Airman.
"We all need to use smart risk management and be good wingmen for one another," said Colonel Halpin.
Safety officials said although common household hazards are a concern, traffic safety remains a top priority.
"During this campaign, each installation should target their mishap prevention efforts based upon local hazards and needs, but continue to target traffic safety as a critical part of accident and personal injury prevention efforts," said Lt. Gen. Vern "Rusty" Findley, AMC vice commander. "Now is the time to refresh drivers and motorcycle riders before they encounter the hazards associated with the fall season - reduced daylight hours, slick roads, and low visibility."
As far as what is in store for Charleston Airmen, the 437th Airlift Wing Safety Office said to expect several safety awareness events. Members of the safety office will hand out Halloween loot bags with safety messages to local elementary school children and at Youth Programs and the Child Development Center on base. There is also a National Save a Life Drinking and Driving Tour presentation scheduled for Nov. 7 at the base theater. Other fall safety information will be provided through article in the base paper and by safety send-offs during the Thanksgiving and winter holidays.
"Charleston ended the critical days of summer very safely, but we're going to continue with a fall safety campaign to make sure everyone remembers to think before they act so we can have them all return safely to work to help complete the mission," said Stu Wyatt, 437 AW ground safety chief.