Holiday travel: Take the time to prepare now for a safe trip Published Nov. 24, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Larry Norsworthy 90th Missile Wing Safety F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. -- During the holidays, many people hit the road to visit family and friends. In Air Force Global Strike Command's northern tier, this routinely means driving long distances. Unfortunately, too many tend to get in a hurry to get where they are going and wait until the last minute to travel back. Typically, when they suffer from "get-there-itis," using risk management goes out the door. This poor planning has lead to fatalities involving the Air Force's most valuable resource, Airmen. Supervisors are the key to ensuring Airmen know and understand the risk involved with traveling and applying risk management to ensure they return safely back from their trips. According to the AFGSC supplement to Air Force Instruction 91-202, supervisors will conduct a pre-departure briefing with all Airmen before every leave or go on a temporary duty assignment. This also applies to long weekends. In these briefings, supervisors will address the hazards associated with travel, such as travel following a duty day, weather conditions, unique recreational activities and other contingencies. Airmen must understand the importance of maintaining their normal circadian rhythm -- that's the body's sleep or rest schedule. Normally, when Airmen who typically work night shifts are exposed to sudden schedule changes, their bodies need that time to adapt to that schedule change. When this fails to happen, Airmen suffer from fatigue, which results in them falling asleep behind the wheel. Conversely, the Airmen who work day shifts and then tries to take an extended drive will almost certainly suffer from fatigue and risk falling asleep at the wheel. There are numerous ways to outline the risks involved with traveling long distances. For example, the Air Force Safety Center has a Web site called Travel Risks Planning System that has information on reducing risk while traveling. Attachment 6 of the AFGSC supplement has talking points to help supervisors remember what to consider and talk about before an Airman leaves for a long trip. Simply put, supervisors need to make it clear to their Airmen that they are a vital part of the mission, not only is it important that they get to their destinations safely, but it's just as important to make it back safely. Ensure Airmen understand that they need to take enough leave to encompass the whole trip safely, and to make sure they aren't rushing to get there and back. In recent years, the Air Force has experienced mishaps where Airmen have attempted to make cross country trips only to end up involved with in a fatal mishap within minutes of the front gates. Here are a couple other often overlooked areas that are key to successful trip planning and execution: First off is money - Airmen need to make sure they have the money to make the trip including emergency funds in case something happens. Also, the first time taking a long road trip as a family can be eye opening. The 1,000 miles which used to take two days to drive, can take a family three to four days to travel, which means staying at more hotels along the way, more food, more pit stops and more money. Secondly is having an emergency kit - Airmen should never start a trip, especially during winter without one. The kit should include, at a minimum, blankets, food and water, an emergency beacon, whistle, and a first aid kit. So, supervisors, take the time and ensure your Airmen put the needed planning into having a wonderfully safe time with their families and friends this holiday season. The Mighty Ninety needs every member of the wing back next year! For more information visit https://crcapps2.crc/army.mil/TRiPS/af/login.aspx.