Houston, we have a problem – high risk, unsafe driving practices Published Aug. 4, 2009 By Ron Burrell 21st Space Wing Safety Office PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- "Houston, we have a problem," is a famous quote by James Lovell, a member of NASA's space mission Apollo 13 crew. He used this phrase to report a major technical problem to Houston Control. In reality, he said, "Houston, we've had a problem." With the assistance of some dedicated engineers they were able to overcome the problem and return to earth safely. Looking at Air Force mishap fatality statistics for private motor vehicles, I'd say, "We have a problem - a very serious problem." Thus far in Fiscal Year 2009, the Air Force has experienced 38 off-duty motor vehicle fatalities (20 automobiles and 16 motorcycles). Most of these could have been prevented. Sadly, we continue to see the same contributing factors: speeding and distracted driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, failure to use seatbelts or required motorcycle gear, and the use of alcohol. These are all indicators of high risk behaviors. Closer to home we observe high risk driving behaviors just about every time we get on the road. So far this year in Colorado Springs there have been 10 traffic crashes resulting in fatalities. The Colorado Springs police department recently released the 25 most dangerous intersections in town based on 2008 data. Powers Boulevard, a major roadway used daily by many of our family, friends, and co-workers, contain six of these dangerous intersections. Hazardous intersections are also located on Marksheffel Road where two of our own were involved fatal crashes. There are far too many aggressive drivers on the streets of Colorado Springs. Are you an aggressive driver? Do you take your frustrations out on your fellow motorist, i.e. "Road Rage?" This can often lead to violence or a mishap. Do you allow yourself to become distracted while driving? Reading, talking or texting on the phone, eating or drinking are all distractions that can lead to accidents. Are you a tailgater? This is a major cause of vehicle accidents. Stay well back of the vehicle in front of you; give yourself room to maneuver in emergency situations. Do you make frequent lane changes? Whipping in and out of traffic lanes increases the possibility of a mishap; you become a danger to yourself and other motorists. Do you run red lights? This is a big problem in our area. Do not enter into an intersection on a yellow light. Motorist must learn to defend themselves against red light runners. Look left, then right, then check the oncoming traffic lanes and look left again before proceeding through the intersection. Many crashes occur when a motorist blindly enters an intersection as the light turns green without checking traffic in all directions. Do you travel faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for the road and weather conditions? So what if you're late. Better to arrive late than not get there at all. So, plan ahead and allow yourself extra time. As individual drivers, we must eliminate high risk driving behaviors and drive responsibly. We as individuals must also stand up to our friends or family members when we observe them taking unnecessary chances that could have tragic results. This is especially true if there is alcohol involved. Let's always practice the good wingman concept, caring and looking out for each other. It's safe to say that these high risk driving behaviors contribute to numerous traffic mishaps often with tragic results. This problem does not require a high tech solution as we saw in the situation with Apollo 13. Each of us as a motorist on the roadways must operate our motor vehicles responsibly and safely. Always obey the traffic laws and be courteous to other motorist on the road. Drive safe, sober and secure!