355th FW safety day stresses motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  D-M kicked off the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign May 16 with a variety of safety themed activities around the installation.

This year, the 101 CDoS begins May 24, Memorial Day weekend, and runs through Sept. 1, Labor Day weekend.

Throughout the day, squadrons and groups attended a "Staying Mishap Free" briefing at the base theater.

The briefing touched on topics such as; statistics of safety mishaps throughout the past three years, common mishaps for Airmen stationed at D-M, alcohol awareness, pedestrian safety, monsoon season and the responsibilities of Airmen and supervisors during these critical days of summer.

Airmen on D-M owning motorcycles were also required to bring their motorcycle, Personal Protective Equipment and Motorcycle Safety Foundation cards to ensure their motorcycle training status and PPE is in compliance with Air Force Instruction 91-207.

In addition to the briefing, the 355th Fighter Wing Weapons Safety office held two training ordinance demonstrations for maintenance personnel who build, load and detonate BDU-33 practice bombs and 2.75 inch rockets.

The 355th FW Flight Safety office also conducted the quarterly flight safety meeting to address safety issues and concerns for pilots and those on flying status.

With all aspects of safety emphasized this year, Airmen were provided reminders of just how deadly the 101 CDoS have proven to be in the past.

"During 2005, the Air Force lost 29 Airmen during the 101 CDoS, and endeavored to push the safety message even harder in 2006 and 2007," said Staff Sgt. James Miller, 355th FW Ground Safety non-commissioned officer in charge of publicity.

"The emphasis paid off, as the Air Force lost 22 fewer Airmen over the next few years, but 17 Airmen in 2006 and 19 Airmen in 2007 is still far too many," he said.

Sergeant Miller added, since last year's safety day, there has been a 50 percent steady decline in both on and off-duty mishaps.

Great news for D-M Airmen and leadership, and with more than 560 D-M motorcyclists on the roads, everyone is especially responsible this year to make responsible choices.

"D-Ms common motorcycle mishaps involve: intersections, braking incorrectly and vehicles turning in front of motorcyclists," Sergeant Miller said.

"Inexperience is the No. 1 leading cause to D-M motorcycle mishaps," he continued.

It is important for all Airmen who currently own, or are thinking about purchasing, a motorcycle to understand the requirements prior to riding.

"First time riders will have to attend and complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riding Course, followed by the mentorship program where the novice rider will be paired up with a 355th FW/SEG approved mentor," said Sergeant Miller.

He added, "Then finally (motorcyclists) attend and complete the Experienced Riding Course. Military and civilian motorcycle riders will operate their motorcycles while wearing PPE that has been outlined through chapter three located in AFI 91-207 and the Air Combat Command supplement."

Whether the Airmen is a motorcyclist, All-Terrain Vehicle operator, bicyclist, or vehicle rider or driver, the responsibility falls on everyone to ensure Operational Risk Management is enacted to prevent a safety mishap.

Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th FW commander charged Airmen with a personal accountability to make safety a priority.

"The time devoted to preparing for the summer of 2008 in Tucson will not simply be time well spent ... it will likely save a life," he said.