CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Now that summer is here and school is out, most of us have started making plans for summer travel and family vacations.
For a lot of Airmen and their families, recreational vehicles are a large part of their summer activities. Some of the most popular and enjoyable activities center around the use of motorcycles and watercraft. Although I know you have been briefed numerous times and read safety bulletins from many offices and organizations, I don't think we can stress the importance of safety enough. So before you head out on that long trip or even out for the day on a motorcycle or a boat, take a few minutes to consider these few safety reminders.
The majority of your summer travel will be in your own automobile, so start out ahead of the game by making sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition. Hot weather can take a toll on vehicles and increase the likelihood of a break down. Ensure tires are properly inflated and all fluids are at proper levels before hitting the road. Don't try driving more miles in a day than you're capable of, give yourself a break and take frequent rest stops. It's better to arrive a little later and safely than to push yourself and have an accident. It's also a good idea to leave travel plans and contact numbers with someone who will know where you plan on traveling to and when you plan on returning.
As the price of gas climbs higher and higher, more people are utilizing motorcycles, not only for recreational riding, but also as a primary means of transportation. All Department of Defense members are required to complete motorcycle safety course prior to riding on base. The Air Force had 18 fatalities during fiscal year 2007, so let's all do our part to bring that number down for 2008. You can contact the wing safety office at 963-5605 for information on motorcycle safety courses offered here for all Airmen, dependents, retirees and civilian employees. These courses consist of the Basic Riders Course which is mandatory for all riders, the Experienced Riders Course and the Sport Bike Course which is mandatory for all sport bike riders in addition to the Basic Course. And always remember to properly wear your protective equipment.
Here in South Carolina, we are blessed with great weather and almost endless miles of lakes, rivers and intracoastal waterways to explore. There are several Boat America safety courses as well as classes offered by the U.S. Coast Guard available in our local community that not only give instruction on boat operation, required safety equipment, laws and navigation, but also about the waterways around Charleston and the hazards associated with those waters.
Think about safety as you're planning your activities and apply that old saying: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Ensure the vehicles you plan to use are properly maintained and you are properly trained to operate them safely and have a great summer.
One last safety reminder: it doesn't matter if it's in a vehicle, on a motorcycle or in a boat, never mix drinking alcohol and operating a vehicle of any kind!