Summer safety takes center stage Published May 27, 2010 By Susan Griggs Keesler News Editor KEESLER AFB, MS -- The Air Force's annual 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday and continues through Sept. 7. Historically, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day is marked by an increase in the number of fatalities associated with sports, recreation and motor vehicle travel. Friday, the 81st Training Wing conducted a four-hour stand-down to reenergize the wingman concept for unit safety and suicide prevention. Virgil Mitchell, wing safety chief, said, "We're working with unit safety representatives and will be sending out specific focus items each week for the units to do themselves. We're also working to bring some specific safety programs to the public arenas." During last year's campaign, the Air Force experienced 21 fatal off-duty accidents in four-wheel personal motor vehicles, of which 33 percent involved the use of alcohol. "In the past 10 years, the Air Force has lost an average of 24 Airmen during the 101 Critical Days of Summer," Mr. Mitchell stated. "In addition to alcohol use, other factors in these mishaps involved speeding and not using seatbelts or helmets." Mr. Mitchell offered several survival tips: Know your physical limitations. Don't drink and drive. Wear your seat belt. Don't speed. Maintain vehicle control. Don't drive fatigued. Drive defensively and look for a way out in an emergency. Beware of the other driver. The Air Force Safety Center notes that preventing mishaps this summer will take everyone's best effort. "Commanders must ensure their unit's mishap prevention efforts are integral to mission success," the safety center emphasized. "Supervisors must remain engaged with their subordinates, demanding high standards, setting the example, and aware of both their people's duty performance, and their leisure activities and travel plans off duty. Lastly, each of us has a responsibility for our own safety, and the safety of our wingmen. As vital members of our Air Force Team, we must never forget that our family and friends love us, our units need us, and our nation is depending on us."