Critical Days of Summer Kick Off Published May 27, 2009 By Laura McAndrews Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In an effort to save lives and prevent accidents, AMC's commander urges Airmen to get "Back to Basics at Home and Work" - the theme of this year's AMC Critical Days of Summer campaign. "We must ensure that everything we do, on and off duty, is completely thought through - especially during the summer months," said Gen. Arthur J. Lichte AMC's 2009 CDS season began May 22 and runs through Sept. 8. According to AMC ground safety officials, fatalities among Airmen normally increase between the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays. Air Force wide, 16 Airman died during the 2008 summer season. However, there were no deaths in AMC for the first time in the command's history. "We also are trying to reduce reportable mishaps by 25 percent," said General Lichte. A reportable mishap ranges in definition from any injury or occupational illness affecting job performance to fatalities, as well as any incident resulting in significant costs. General Lichte said during the summer months "an increase in vehicle use and water-sport activities poses an even greater threat to our Airmen and their families." Historically, alcohol use and fatigue contributed factors to accidents associated with these activities. "Either one of these factors on their own poses increased risk," said General Lichte, "but when they are mixed, the results can be even more disastrous." Last year AMC had 101 mishaps. Of these, 16 were private motor vehicle mishaps and 32 were from sports and recreation. To help counter the risks, AMC is hosting a variety of activities to promote safety awareness and accident prevention. The "Save a Life" tour uses drinking and driving simulators to give Airmen a realistic recreation of driving after drinking. AMC also offers "Alive at 25," a defensive driving course, and will continue educating Airman with the AMC Sport Bike Course. "Last year, our sport bike course provided outstanding training to more than 550 riders," General Lichte said. Drowning is the second leading cause of deaths among Airmen during the summer months. "So I ask you to always have a wingman when you swim," said General Lichte, "and if you are going to drink, don't swim." While most summer tragedies happen during recreation away from the work place, AMC safety officials also emphasize the importance of job safety. Last year 31 percent of AMC mishaps were industrial or on-duty. To combat work related accidents, officials and supervisors plan to share safety ideas, inspect work areas and increase employee involvement in safety programs. General Lichte said prevention, awareness and involvement are key to the success of this year's safety campaign. "Every Airman is vital to the success of our Air Force, and we cannot afford to lose you," he said.