Keep safety on top of your list this weekend

Published Sept. 6, 2006
By Col. Jay G. Santee
21st Space Wing commander

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As Labor Day approaches, I am sure everyone is looking forward to spending time with family and friends. The upcoming break will certainly give us a chance to relax and prepare for the busy weeks ahead.

While I'm sure everyone has different plans for the long weekend, I want us all to have the same goal - to return safely. Every single person in the 21st Space Wing is vital to mission accomplishment. For this reason, we should all keep safety at the top of our list as we enjoy the break.

Past statistics have shown that many people see Labor Day as the last "official" weekend of summer and, therefore, try to cram as many activities as possible into the last minute. For this reason, it is essential that everyone uses good judgment and applies sound safety principles in every situation. In addition, there are several steps we can take to better safeguard ourselves: First, we should plan our activities responsibly and be sure to identify all potential risks. Second, we should take actions to mitigate risks whenever possible. Third, we should use good judgment at all times.

In addition to these basic steps, we should remember to be good wingmen. I urge commanders and supervisors to remind your folks about the importance of proper planning and good decision-making. If traveling, for example, we should give ourselves sufficient time to make it to and from our destination. We should also drive defensively and be on the look out forother drivers who may be intoxicated or tired.

Travelers should also be reminded that driving for long periods will often lead to fatigue and poor judgment. These are only a few examples of how we should remind our folks to stay safe. In addition to these examples, I've also listed several risk mitigation factors for you to keep in mind:

􀂄 Buckle up everyone, every time
􀂄 Drink alcohol in moderation
􀂄 Do not drive under the influence of alcohol
􀂄 Party in a responsible manner
􀂄 Consider the fatigue factor
􀂄 Consider the risks
􀂄 Make sound decisions
􀂄 Be a good wingman; remind motorcyclists to wear proper gear

This weekend will be an opportunity to take vacations, travel and enjoy many great Front Range activities. Just remember, however, that safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's make good decisions, be great wingmen and return safely to "save the nation."

Submitting Action Lines
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