Airmen work hard for safe days off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL --  Just because summer is winding down, and the sun is setting earlier it doesn't mean those "101 Critical Days of Summer" have to set as well.

The Air Force emphasizes the prevention of everyday safety blunders and mishaps that can keep Airmen from fulfilling their duties at work and at home.

Although the Air Force takes safety seriously 365 days a year, statistics show there are more off-duty accidents in the summer than during any other time of the year.

"Everybody is out and about, traveling, showing off their cars or motorbikes," said Staff Sgt. William Holmes, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety Office. "It's a good time to be outside, grilling and having a good time, but there are a lot of things people sometimes forget.

"Alcohol, heat and fatigue are summertime factors that often lead to mishaps," he said.

Knowing this, McConnell members should keep safety in mind as they enjoy an extended holiday weekend.

"There haven't been any fatalities at McConnell this summer, and that's a good thing," said Sergeant Holmes. "It shows people are being more aware of their surroundings and have some concern for their lives, as well as others."

To help Team McConnell maintain its safety record this summer, the safety office offers these Labor Day weekend safety tips:

· People should know there physical limits when it comes to participating in activities they don't normally do on a regular basis.

· If an activity is high risk, people should take extra precautions.

· People shouldn't rush in an effort to arrive to their destinations early or on-time.

· If people choose home projects this holiday, they should follow manufacturer's safety recommendations and use the right tools for the job.

Still, a big issue that wing leadership stresses, especially during holidays and down time at McConnell, is the driving under the influence. Rest assured the local authorities and base security forces members will be on the look out for intoxicated drivers.

"DUI checkpoints by local law enforcement this Labor Day will be up and running to crack down on impaired drivers," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Mehringer, 22nd Security Forces Squadron. "The goal is to drastically reduce the amount of deaths caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol."

Penalties are high, and people should be taken into the repercussions into consideration before placing their car keys into the ignition.

"Getting a DUI is a horrible idea. What people might not realize is how expensive it is too," said Sergeant Mehringer. "According to people who know, lawyers, police and auto clubs, the average cost, not to include personal injuries, medical charges, lost pay, fines and vehicle damage for first-offence drunk driving cases are high."

Sergeant Mehringer estimates a DUI costs:

· Minimum fine: $390.
· Penalty assessment: $666.
· State restitution fund: $100.
· Alcohol-Abuse Education Fund: $50.
· Blood or breath-testing fee: $37.
· Jail cite-and-release fee: $10.
· Driving/alcohol-awareness school: $375 (16 weeks minimum) license reissue.
· Attorney fees (average): $ 2,500, Auto Insurance Increase: $ 3,600 - $6,600 (auto club estimates $2,200 a year for 3 years)

"Military members face addition repercussions, but ultimately, the No. 1 reason people shouldn't drink and drive is the possible lost of an innocent life or of their own," said Sergeant Mehringer.

People should enjoy the Labor Day holiday this year, but they should also take a few short moments to absorb their surroundings, even if it means taking extra time out of their day, or giving their Wingman their car keys.