Weighing the cost of unsafe activity Published May 29, 2009 By Col. Jay Raymond 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As we close this month's Year of Leadership focus on safety we find ourselves entering the 2009 Critical Days of Summer. In transitioning from a leadership perspective to a mishap prevention perspective, I would like us to consider two additional thoughts: "The Cost of Safety" and "Airmen are the first line of safety." The cost of safety was vividly brought to life by Cadet 1st Class Thomas Avolio at the recent First Term Airmen Center luncheon. He told us how his failure in personal risk management cost him three semesters and nearly his Air Force career. The costs of safety, including personal protective equipment, are negligible compared to the costs of not being safe. Earlier this month, the Colorado General Assembly passed a law, which is currently awaiting Gov. Bill Ritter's signature, which bans cell phone usage while driving by teenagers under the age of 18, and banned texting while driving for all ages. Notwithstanding, Air Force Instructions prohibit the use of cell phones while driving on government installations unless the driver is using a hands-free device. Regardless of dictated safety standards, cell phone usage while driving in any manner is a known distraction. The cost of unsafe activity is further illustrated by two motorcycle accidents in Colorado. The first casualty was a 20 year-old motorcyclist passing vehicles in a no-passing zone. The young man hit an oncoming truck and was killed. The second was a 24 year-old motorcyclist who decided to drink and ride. What could have cost him cab fare, cost him his life. The second thought is, "Airmen are the first line of safety." As Mr. Clifford Tebbe, Air Force Space Command Safety inspector general, said in his Year of Leadership article, the responsibility for safety belongs to everyone. Every one of us regardless of rank or position is the first line of defense against mishaps and hazards. I expect all supervisors to engage your personnel and promote a culture of risk awareness. Every individual must do his or her part to apply proven risk management principles both on and off duty. When in doubt, ACT! Assess-Consider-Take appropriate action! Safety is not just about compliance, it's a mindset we need to embrace 24/7/365, because ultimately it is our risk management that keeps us safe.