Summer Safety

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  
Spring is finally here! The warm weather and longer hours of sunlight will bring picnics, weekends at the lake and road trips. These are all fun activities, but with the combination of alcohol or inattentiveness, they can prove dangerous. Already this year we have tragically lost two Airmen in automobile accidents; these tragedies affected many families, co-workers and friends. What's concerning though, is we are almost two months away from the beginning of "101 Critical Days of Summer," which signifies a period of statistically higher accidents and deaths among military personnel. We all need to really focus on safety and making responsible choices. 

We are lucky to be in a location where we can enjoy warm weather most of the year. Soon people will be spending weekends out at the lake or at the beach. Boating and grilling is a favorite past time for many people, however, I urge everybody to take the proper safety precautions when engaging in these activities. Alcohol does often cause a lack of judgment, but accidents can happen even in its absence. While you are out in the sun or boating, make sure you are wearing the proper safety gear such as life vests. Please keep safety number 1 in everything you do! 

After a great start in January with no DUIs, Team Travis has had a total of seven DUIs over the last two months, this is a major concern for all of us. These individuals put their lives and other's in danger by getting behind the wheel after drinking. We are currently organizing a DUI Tiger Team and any comments or suggestions on how to help curtail this issue are greatly appreciated! Please look out for each other--any life is too important to waste. If you find yourself in a situation where you should not drive, remember Airmen Against Drunk Driving is available to give you a ride. Please call 424-0013 instead of taking the wheel. 

I do not want another Airman standing in front of my desk for an avoidable mistake such as driving under the influence, nor do I want to notify another family of an Airman's tragic death from an accident on- or off-duty. It is your life that is at stake--value it as much as I do!! 

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!