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The clock is ticking – summer is almost here. Family barbeques, swimming, fishing, softball, hiking, boating and camping are just some of the favorite activities people like to engage in during the summer. In fact, the long daylight hours of summer encourage folks to jam as many of their favorite pastimes into a day as possible.
While it is good to enjoy the carefree days of summer, emergency rooms know the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day as Trauma Season and safety offices know it as the 101 Critical Days of Summer. This period of time is when the Air Force suffers most of its fatal mishaps.
Unfortunately, far too often people fail to recognize the risks associated with their favorite sports and recreational activities and what begins as a day of fun and excitement ends with a visit to the emergency room or, in the worst case, friends and loved ones mourning.
The 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign is intended to remind people that they can not afford to lose focus on safety – on or off the job. Part of the campaign is to address specific areas of concern and how to apply good risk management practices.
First, summer would not be complete without some traveling, which usually means driving. Motor vehicle mishaps are the number one cause of death for members and their families.
Speed, fatigue, alcohol, or combinations of the three contribute to most mishaps. What can people do to reduce mishap potential? One key thing is to not drink and drive or ride with someone who has been drinking. Instead, call a designated driver, a friend, or Armedforces Against Drunk Driving for a ride home.
Second, slow down. Recently, Quality Planning Corp., an insurance research firm based in San Francisco, reported that ranked military personnel (officer and enlisted) are among the top 40 occupations likely to be involved in an accident, and to receive speeding and moving violation citations. Just because the speedometer goes up to 150 MPH doesn’t mean it is good to drive that fast. Adjust driving speed to reflect the traffic and weather conditions.
Finally, avoid driving fatigue through conscientious trip planning. For example, if engaging in strenuous all-day recreational activities at a location far removed from home, plan to spend the night in the local area. When planning a vacation, include frequent rest stops along the way and overnight hotel stays to avoid marathon driving. Plan on using the same procedures for the return trip.
Also, seat belts and motorcycle personal protective equipment are proven lifesavers, so take advantage of them whenever possible.
There are inherent risks in such summer sports as basketball, softball and racquetball. Fortunately, the most severe injuries usually incurred are broken bones, torn ligaments and bruised egos. The risks associated with these sports increase when people try to emulate professional athletes, so it may be wise to leave the “Play of the Day” to the pros, who do these things for a living.
One can also reduce the potential for athletic injuries by warming up prior to playing and wearing the recommended personal protective equipment.
Summer also means hiking and camping. It is standard practice to file a trip plan when boating; do the same when hiking or camping in remote areas.
Carry a fully-charged cell phone and/or portable radio and wear proper clothing and protective equipment. Check weather reports prior to leaving home and periodically throughout the trip. Flash floods and electrical storms can also be a danger. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sun glasses. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, and be careful not to overexert yourself.
Summer should be spent having fun, not making trips to the emergency room. Enjoy the warm days, but make sure to watch yourself and one another. (Courtesy of the 435th ABW Ground Safety Office)
