Summer safety program starts strong

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  A little over four weeks into the 101 Critical Days of Summer program, total fatalities Air Force-wide are down compared to the last two years.

This year there have been five fatalities since the beginning of the campaign, compared to seven in 2006 and 12 in 2005 during those same weeks during previous summers.

The five deaths that occurred during the campaign have been attributed to all-terrain vehicles, automobile or motorcycle accidents and drowning.

Though there have been no fatalities at McChord, the total number of mishaps has dropped by 26 compared to last year's 101 CDS numbers, said Ken Heath, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of ground safety.

"We're down quite a bit," he said.

Mr. Heath said one possible explanation for the low numbers is the fact that leadership is involved in keeping safety at the forefront and Airmen are paying attention to the campaign.

Although total mishaps here dropped from 46 to 20, there was no change in Class C incidents as the six incidents to this point are identical. A Class C incident is something that causes an Airman to be placed on quarters or convalescent leave.

While the lower incident numbers are indeed a positive thing, Airmen need to continue to make safety a priority in their decision making process throughout the summer, said Lt. Col. James Shigekane, 62nd AW chief of safety.

"The summer has only just begun and the better weather affords us more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest," Colonel Shigekane said. "Unfortunately, these same activities also present potential for injuries and accidents. By applying common sense, risk assessment and good judgment, Airmen can prevent most mishaps."