Safety doesn't stop after summer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  Shorter days, potentially nasty weather, poor visibility and a festive holiday season in Britain and Norway all add up to one thing during the next few months: a continued need to focus on safety.

Nov. 18 is the start of the Air Force's Holiday Safety Campaign, and it is the perfect time to remind Airmen and friends about the need to be good wingmen during the winter months, said Tim Bachmann, 501st Combat Support Wing Safety Office.

One of the winter concerns especially at night can be poor visibility.

"We've already seen here in England how potentially dangerous poor visibility can be with the multi-car crash on the M5 last week," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Swafford, 501st CSW Safety Office NCOIC. "It's not just the smaller roads with tight turns we need to be concerned with when driving - we have to be vigilant at all times as you never know what's around the corner. There is never a need for us to be in a rush if the weather or visibility is poor."

Not only is it important to keep an eye out while driving, but it's imperative to wear a reflective belt when walking outside in hours of darkness or poor visibility.

"You can't count on a car seeing you in time to get out of the way safely," Swafford said. "Twenty miles an hour on base may not seem very fast, but it's fast enough to seriously hurt or even kill you if the driver can't see you."

One of the advantages of being in Europe during the winter months are the festive holiday parties we can attend in our local communities and on base, Bachmann said.

"It's a great idea to take advantage of the opportunities we have here in Europe during the holidays as long as you have a responsible plan," Bachmann said. "It's imperative as wingmen we look out for one another, and if you can't get home responsibly make that call to a friend, supervisor, first sergeant, or squadron commander. It's going to be much better for you in the long run to wake someone up asking for a ride - than the first sergeant coming at 3 a.m. to get you out of jail."

Winter sports provide another opportunity for those stationed in Europe.

"Snowboarding injuries are very common throughout the winter months within USAFE" Bachmann said. "Common sense applies whether we're experts or novices when participating in any winter sport. Preparation, wearing the proper protective gear and training for the activity remain important factors in reducing potential risk or injury".

Whatever your plans are during the winter months, make the plan a safe one.