Secretary of Defense calls for reduction in mishaps during the year Published July 8, 2009 By Safety office 30th Space Wing VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Secretary of Defense has set a 75 percent reduction rate for mishaps during 2009. With that in mind, this year's 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Campaign goals are focused on four pillared mishap prevention areas: · Alcohol related mishaps · Two- and four-wheeled personal motor vehicles related mishaps · Fatigue related mishaps · Sports and recreation (water activities) related mishaps Here are some safety tips for each area. Alcohol Related Mishaps: Alcohol just does not mix well with recreational activities. If you are going to consume alcohol, have a designated driver for transportation. The majority of people injured or killed in alcohol related vehicle mishaps are not the intoxicated driver, but people who were in the path of the oncoming intoxicated driver. Are you willing to take the risk of injuring or taking the life of an innocent person? The tragedy spans way beyond you. Think before you drink. Two- and four-wheeled personal motor vehicles related mishaps: The number one non-combat killer of our military is personal vehicle accidents. So far, 31 motorcycle and vehicle related fatalities have occurred during this year's 101 Critical Days of Summer. Many of the incidents are the result of operating motorcycles at high speeds, causing a loss of control. Four-wheel operated vehicles have accounted for 18 fatalities during this year's 101 Critical Days of Summer. Causes range from head on collisions, improperly wearing a seatbelt, drunk driving and not paying attention to the road. Fatigue related mishaps: Fatigue is a serious contributor to vehicle mishaps and fatalities. Fatigue is caused by lack of sleep, long hours on the job with inadequate breaks and lack of exercise when performing monotonous tasks such as driving for long periods. Don't let falling asleep at the wheel happen to you. To prevent fatigue, get plenty of rest and take periodic rest stops to stretch, which increases blood flow. Sports and recreation (water activities) related mishaps: Water sports can be fun, but there are a number of hazards along our beautiful Pacific Coastline. Water temperatures get extremely cold, and dangerous currents, which are stronger than someone's capability and physical strength, can cause them to be swept away. Several fatalities Air Force wide have occurred, such as an Airman being swept into deep water by a riptide current while playing in waist deep water with family members. An Airman collapsed after completing the run portion of his annual physical fitness evaluation. An Airman was participating in an above-water treading exercise at the base swimming pool when he lost consciousness. Know the conditions of the events you are participating in; don't exceed your limitations and never swim alone. We want you to have a fun and safe summer! For more information on the 101 Critical Days of Summer, call the 30th SW Safety Office at 606-8805.