Common sense and risk assessments necessary as warm weather arrives

  • Published
  • By Ron James
  • 75th Air Base Wing Safety Office
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  So far this year the Air Force has lost too many of its valued members to off-duty mishaps. Twenty six lives have been taken in off-duty mishaps; thirteen have died in automobiles and six have died due to motorcycle accidents. We are not yet into the period of time that historically produces a lot of mishaps. I am talking about "101 Critical Days of Summer." This is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. when increased outdoor and recreational activities usually result in increased mishaps.

In the past, Hill Air Force Base has lost some of its valued members in accidents ranging from motorcycle accidents to climbing accidents. In addition to these fatalities there have been many near misses that could have easily been fatal.

Hill AFB can identify areas of concern that in the past have been particularly prone to producing mishaps.

Motorcycle accidents stand out as a consistent source of summer injuries. A few summers ago two members of Team Hill were killed. The base has had numerous motorcycle related injuries that could have been fatal. One rider slammed his face into the pavement because he had no riding experience and did not know how to brake.

Common contributing factors include alcohol use, inexperienced riders and pushing bikes beyond safe operating parameters.

Automobile accidents are always a contributor to the number of higher summer incidents. Hill employees have sustained some very serious injuries from automobile accidents. Base personnel spend a lot of time in cars getting to summer activities.

Common causal factors include: falling asleep at the wheel, alcohol use and driving too fast for existing conditions.

ATV mishaps have been on the rise. The past few years has seen some very serious injuries sustained from all terrain vehicle use. We see folks rent ATVs who have no riding experience. We have had people crush parts of their body because they underestimated theor ATVs' ability to turn on gravel. We have had young Airmen who thought the ATV could fly, bouncing them off and then running over them.

Common casual factors include: inexperienced rider, inexperienced rider and inexperienced rider.

Mountain activities

Mountain and lake mishaps have occurred in the past. Hikers underestimate the seriousness of hiking or climbing in steep terrain. Swimming in cold mountain lakes is much different than warmer waters. Cramps can set in that makes swimming next to impossible.

What can be done to reduce and eliminate these types of mishaps?

Personal risk management

Take a little time to evaluate what you are doing.

STEP 1: Identify the hazards you are exposed to

Most of us have a good idea of the hazards we face in our daily world. Think about the hazards you are facing and the risks you are taking. If you swim across that cold lake, what hazards exist?

STEP 2: Assess the Risks

We do a poor job assessing the risks

We often feel we are somehow removed from the risks we take. Risks apply to everyone else, not me.

We often marginalize the risk without serious thought to what they really are. What risks are you taking by getting on an ATV with no experience?

STEP 3: Analyze the Risk and Consider the Options.

Determine what level of risk you can live with. Risk can be defined as the possibility of suffering harm or loss. By looking at the consequences of the risk, you will easily determine what level of risk you can live with.

What consequences can you live with?

Can you live with the risk you take when you do not wear your seat belt?

Can you live with the consequence of a broken face, back or lacerations?

Can you live with the consequences your body will experience should you lose control of your motorcycle when it takes the canyon turn at 100 mph?

Can you live with risks that face your family members?

Step 4: Make the Right Decision.

If you don't make the right decisions for yourself then do it for others.

The Air Force's "101 Days of summer" mishap rates have not improved. Why? One answer may be the source of the message. Safety offices and commanders all have the same message that you need to be safe. These are external sources of the message. Every day we are bombarded with these external messages. They as a general rule do not sink in very well.

You do respond to internal messages; they are the messages that come from within you. If you have ever been part of an accident or witnessed a serious accident you will most likely internalize the importance of wearing seatbelts. Each time you get in the car the internal voice buckles you up. You can internalize the need for doing some "Personal Risk Management."

Burn in your minds the consequences that unsafe acts will have on you, your friends and loved ones. Investigation of accidents is a sobering experience. Often a single, thoughtless act results in serious consequences for the rest of your life. Start practicing your "Personal Risk Management" by thinking through the situation you are in, considering the consequences and options and then making an informed decision, instead of a spur of the moment decision.