Critical days of summer cools as the school year heats up

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Gary Lund
  • 90th Missile Wing Safety
F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. --  Labor Day weekend marks the close of the wing's Critical Days of Summer campaign for 2010. The main focus for this summer was driving under the influence prevention and practicing safe habits behind the wheel, such as wearing your seat belt and not texting or talking on cell phones while driving.

Thanks go to all commanders, first sergeants, and supervisors for promoting safety to their personnel throughout the past few months. The efforts of the 90th Missile Wing paid off in huge ways. Recently the wing has gone more than 500 days without a rollover. Also, there have only been six lost-time injuries. Most importantly, there has not been a fatal accident.

This may be the end of the warm season, but that doesn't mean safety needs to stop. It is a continuous process.

Children have already headed back to school, which means new faces, new teachers and school supplies. This also means an increase of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the housing areas. It is very important to slow down while driving in school zones and housing areas. Be on the alert for the flashing lights of school buses as they are picking up or dropping off children, and remember the speed limit is 15 mph in base housing areas and 20 mph in school zones off base. Do not pass a stopped school bus as there may be children crossing the street to or from the bus.

Students should be at the bus stop at least five minutes prior to the bus arrival. If children do not know the way to their bus stop, they should be accompanied by a parent or guardian until they get onto the bus. Educate children on the bus stop safety rules - never walk behind a bus and let the bus driver know if you drop something under the bus.

People will be extremely busy this weekend celebrating the end of summer. Whether it be camping, hiking, boating, fishing or anything else, prevent injuries by using common sense and applying risk management.

No matter what is planned for this weekend, the wing safety office is here to encourage all to stay safe this long weekend. Do not let inattention, alcohol, fatigue or not wearing a seat belt cause you to be the next mishap. Have fun this long weekend and come back safely.