LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Langley's 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign passed the halfway point with July 21 with positive changes from last year's campaign.
To date, there have been no fatalities during the first half of 2007's safety campaign and the number of Class C incidents has dropped by two from the 2006 total. A class C incident is defined as a nonfatal injury that causes any loss of time from work.
"We have had zero fatalities during 101 Critical Days, which is the most important aspect of this safety campaign," said Mr. Harry Dunn, 1st Fighter Wing ground safety manager. In addition to keeping Airmen safe, Mr. Dunn said the base is still working to reduce the number of people who drink and drive.
This year, the 1st Security Forces Squadronn has cited five individuals for driving under the influence.
"This is five DUIs is too many, and we need Airmen to use personal risk management to keep themselves and others safe and prevent more arrests."
One of the programs that aims to reduce Langley DUIs is Airmen Against Drunk Driving, which offers rides for those who have been drinking and shouldn't be behind the wheel. Airmen can call (757) 764-AADD to ensure a safe ride home, for themselves and other drivers on the road.
Another way the safety office and security forces are keeping drivers safe is through the newly implemented "Shock and Awe" seatbelt initiative. The goal of the campaign is for Langley to reach 100 percent seatbelt compliance, which will be measured through weekly seatbelt inspections around base and housing areas. For those who continue to break the belt law, penalties will range from assessing driving points beginning in August to 30-day suspensions of on-base driving privilages by October.
Maj. Mark DiCarlo, 1st Security Forces Squadron commander, said law enforcement troops will "be vigilantly enforcing the seatbelt policy."
"To avoid the hassle of losing your base driving privileges and more importantly, to save your life in an accident, make it a habit to fasten your seatbelt every time you get in your vehicle," he added.
Although the 101 CDOS campaign ends in September, safety should not cease.
"Throughout the year - critical or not - all Airmen need to remain vigilant to keep themselves and their families safe."