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'Live to Play, Play to Live' kicks off Memorial Day weekend

  • Published
  • By Aletha Frost
  • AFDW Public Affairs
Air Force District of Washington --  The Air Force's 2010 Critical Days of Summer campaign, 'Live to Play, Play to Live!', kicks-off Memorial Day weekend.

Statistics show a 30 percent increase in Air Force off-duty fatalities, injuries and mishaps occurred from 2008 to 2009 between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

This year, the "Critical Days of Summer" campaign begins May 28 and ends Sept. 7. This is the time all Airmen and family members should take extra precautions.

"The Critical Days of Summer is an Air Force-wide campaign that began in the early 1980s in an effort to counter the traditional increase in Air Force mishaps and fatalities that occur during the summer months," said Ed Adams, Air Force District of Washington safety director.  "The campaign efforts attempt to increase personal awareness of risk, thereby reducing the number of summer mishaps and fatalities, because every Airman is critical to our Air Force mission."

Air Force Safety Center statistics from the past decade indicate that a majority of the total Air Force traffic deaths occur during the warm weather months, with an average of 24 deaths per year. Air Force safety statistics also show increasing temperatures lead to increased mishaps, especially those occurring in off duty activities. The leading cause of fatal mishaps during this period has been in off duty private motor vehicle mishaps; the second highest number of fatalities has involved water sports and drowning.

During the summer of 2009, 22 Airmen died in off duty mishaps.

"Airmen and civilians are encouraged to be aware of summertime risks and incorporate risk management into their plans," said Mr. Adams. "The potential for injury is often overlooked in anticipation of fun filled activities."

"By reminding Airmen of these risks, we help to preserve our most valuable asset: our human resources," he said.

"One fatality is one too many, be smart, be safe, use your sound judgment and just as importantly, look out for your Wingmen."