LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Roughly 40,000 people die in the U.S. from drowning, automobile accidents, lightning and bicycling accidents each year. The National Safety Council dubbed June as National Safety Month in an effort to bring this number down.
Bob Longworth, Joint Base Langley-Eustis chief of safety, stresses the importance of the 101 Critical Days of Summer. The number of people killed these accidents increase around this time of the year, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, said Longworth.
"Water safety is important," said Longworth. "Everything from the kiddy pool to the deep end can be dangerous."
Keeping an eye on children during any water activity is important. No matter the depth of water, always supervise children. Only go to pools and beaches with lifeguards on duty, and a float line dividing the deep and shallow ends. Check the gate and fences of a personal pool, and lock the gate when finished.
"We live in a beach community," said Longworth. "Be aware of riptides and currents."
Tides push beach-goers across the beach, so be aware of the surrounding area and signs indicating dangerous currents or riptides. From the beach to the streetssummer safety should remain a priority.
Many motorists have turned off the engines, and have started pedaling to work instead. With the increase of cyclists, there are a few rules to remember. If riding on the roads, ride like any other vehicle and use turn signals. Most importantly, always wear an approved helmet, said Longworth.
"After living in New York, I can tell you that watching traffic is important," said Longworth.
Always walk a bike across the road instead of riding through. Look both ways for traffic and never wear headphones while riding. As a motorist, keep an eye out for bicycle traffic as well as other vehicles. Traffic is just as deadly in the car as it is for cyclists and
pedestrians.
The number of Service members lost to motor-vehicle accidents increased from 51 last year at this time to 59, said Longworth. Motorcycle fatalities rose from 22 to 30 by mid-June. Wearing the proper protective equipment and attending the appropriate classes could have saved lives in most cases, said Longworth.
Protective gear doesn't always come in hard plastic and leather, however.
A growing number of Service members overlook the need to protect against the environment. Fair-skinned individuals should be aware of sun exposure during the day and put on an appropriate-strength sunscreen before any outdoor activity. All those taking trips outdoors, especially near the water, should pack mosquito repellant. Also check for tics and bites after any outdoors adventure.
Environmental dangers also include adverse weather, especially in the Tidewater region.
With tornadoes and hurricanes on the horizon, listen to emergency systems and keep an eye on the sky. Even a lightning storm can prove fatal. Approximately 85 Americans died by lightning each year for the past 30 years, according to the National Weather Service. Find shelter immediately during a lightning storm, but keep in mind that trees are not shelter, and actually increase the likelihood of being struck.