ARLINGTON, Va. - Summer's lazy days are anything but for those staffing hospital emergency departments.
Beautiful warmer days come with increased hazards and risks. Just over the Memorial Day weekend, more than 400 fatal vehicle crashes and 43,000 medically consulted injuries are estimated to occur, the National Safety Council said.
To combat these staggering statistics, the U.S. Army and Air Force designate May 25 through Sept. 4 of every year as the 101 Critical Days of Summer, a campaign dedicated to ensuring Soldiers and Airmen have an injury-free summer.
"During warmer weather, people are more active, participating more in sports and recreational activities. More accidents happen during this time of year," said Leroy Brown, chief of safety on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, in Arlington.
Added Master Sgt. Harold V. Joe, 633rd Air Base Wing Safety superintendent: "While the (services) have a year-found safety campaign, there is a bigger push during the summer months because of the increase of outdoor activities."
Brown recently addressed summer safety at the JBM-HH town hall meeting. "I focused on heat injuries, water safety and privately owned vehicle and motorcycle safety," said Brown. "I talked briefly about tick- and mosquito-born diseases, and also about barbequing safety."
He said the Army is increasing motorcycle safety concerns, as well as privately owned vehicle safety.
"There has been an increase in motorcycle accidents among service members. Most motorcyclists ride their bikes more during the summer season and may not be as accustomed to riding again when first moving their bikes from the garage and preparing for more frequent riding," said Brown. "Never drive your motorcycle after drinking. Alcohol greatly impairs your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi."
He also said motorcyclists should wear an approved helmet and high visibility, protective clothing. Avoid tailgating and riding between lanes. Maintain a safe speed and exercise caution when traveling over slippery surfaces or gravel.
Brown said people travel more in the summer months and need to increase safety in personal vehicles. "Do not drink and drive; use a designated driver; wear seat belts; obey the speed limit; don't drive when you're tired, and take rest breaks," said Brown. "Adjust speed for conditions, don't follow too close, maintain your vehicle, drive defensively and avoid using cell phones while driving."
Brown said water and boating safety is another major concern because "a lot of people have recreational boats and jet skis and enjoy recreational time at beaches and lakes.
"It is imperative everyone apply water safety rules and regulations when they're out on the water. Don't drink alcohol and operate boats, don't drink and swim, maintain safe distances from other water craft and people and be cognizant of where your children are when you're around water," he said.
According to the NSC, more than 3,800 people died in water and watercraft-related incidents in 2008, and the trend has continued to rise. To reduce the risk of mishaps while swimming, ensure a lifeguard is on duty at pools or beaches, have a swimming buddy and wear proper gear when participating in water sports.
Sunshine and warm weather are the most appealing aspects of summer, but it is important to know the risks associated with them and practice safe outdoor routines. Two sunburns before the age of 18 can double the risk of melanoma, according to the NSC.
"By following common sense safety rules and exercising caution, summer can be an enjoyable season without injuries and accidents," Brown said.
"What we want to communicate most is to just have a plan, even if you're doing something as simple as barbequing," said Joe, whose wing is at Fort Eustis, Va.
"Think before you do anything — and most importantly, look out for each other. [Service members] are the most important part of our mission and without them, nothing can get done."
For more summer safety advice, go to https://safety.army.mil/ or contact the JBM-HH Safety Office at 703-696-0828/6996.
Contributing: Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin of the 633rd Air Base Wing and Rhonda Apple of The Pentagram newspaper, JBM-HH