Statistics show safe, sober and secure is way to go during holidays Published Dec. 11, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Thom Moore 21st Space Wing Safety Office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Maybe safety is the last thing on an Airman's mind during the holidays. It shouldn't be, safety experts say. December is one of those months when all kinds of mishaps occur. The Air Force typically loses seven Airmen to personal motor vehicle mishaps in November and December. Master Sgt. Michael Kelley at the Air Force Safety Center analyzed mishap data for Fiscal Year 2009, looking closely at the number of mishaps in the first half of the month and the number in the second half of the month. He found that more mishaps happen in the second half of the month, and he calls it the "Kelley Konundrum." · 70 percent of motorcycle fatalities happened after Dec. 15, while 59 percent of four-wheeled vehicle fatalities happened after Dec. 15 · During the month of December from 2004 to 2008, 72 percent of motorcycle and four-wheeled vehicle fatalities happened after the 15th of the month The reason the second half of the month looks grim could be because more than 50 percent of federal holidays fall in the second half of the month, said Tom Quinn, 21st Space Wing ground safety manager. More people are on the road traveling; there are more holiday parties; and in Colorado Springs, there are snow-covered and icy roads. From Nov. 15 to Nov. 21 this year, the Air Force lost four Airmen in off-duty private motor vehicle mishaps, including two on Nov. 21. Officials want to avoid similar numbers this December. "Especially in November and December when we have three major holidays, Airmen may tend to think more about family time, gifts and travel, and may not be considering how to do it all safely," Mr. Quinn said. Many different factors may explain why motor vehicle fatalities happen: alcohol, excessive speed, not wearing a seat belt and distracted driving (including using a cell phone while behind the wheel). However, Airmen can vastly enhance their wellbeing by driving safe, sober and secure. Safe: · The speed limit is there for a reason. It is the maximum safe speed for perfect weather conditions · Drive defensively. Keep an eye out for those who are not paying attention Sober: · Have a drunk-proof plan. It typically starts with a designated driver before you go out · Take a taxi company phone number for a ride home, or call the chain of command. Any commander, chief master sergeant, first sergeant or supervisor would much rather pick up their Airman at the bar than the morgue Secure: · Seatbelts save lives. The statistics prove it · Wear personal protective equipment all the time when riding a motorcycle This holiday season, Airmen should make safety a priority so they don't end up as part of grim statistics Sergeant Kelley reports as the "Kelley Konundrum." "The only statistic the 21st Space Wing Safety Office likes to see is 100 percent reporting for duty," Mr. Quinn said.