RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Air Education and Training Command is closing in on a never before achieved safety goal -- going 365 days without a fatality.
According to Robbie Bogard, AETC Safety and Occupational Health Specialist, the First Command has eclipsed the previous 250 days without a fatal mishap by going 343 days without a fatal mishap and 394 days without a motorcycle fatality.
"These numbers show that AETC commanders, instructors and motorcycle mentors are doing their part to save lives," Mr. Bogard said. "It's important to continually be on the lookout for risk, as things can happen when you least expect them to."
The safety team's immediate goal is to make it through November 20 fatality free. Doing that would push AETC to 365 days without a fatality.
"Reaching this goal is a major milestone in mishap prevention for the First Command," Mr. Bogard said. "We normally lose about 10 Airmen a year to preventable mishaps."
Air Education and Training Command's subsequent goal is to make it through the end of the calendar year fatality free, something the AETC safety representatives say is up to everyone to achieve.
"Every 10 seconds in the United States, someone is injured in a car crash," Mr. Bogard said. "On top of that ... every 12 minutes, someone dies in a car crash."
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, traffic death rates are on the decline in the United States, but traffic accidents kill more people aged 15-29 than any other cause.
"The safety community cannot stress safety enough," Mr. Bogard said. "Selling safety and saving lives is up to each member in AETC and the Air Force. Make sure to do your part to keep each other safe."
The safety office said that wingmen programs play a large part in preventing mishaps and fatalities. Look out for one another, help each other identify risk and risky behavior, and act accordingly to reduce risk.
Mr. Bogard said that our upcoming holidays will challenge our outstanding mishap record, but that he is confident the safety record will remain intact.
Mr. Bogard went on to say he recommends everyone take a look at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website information on motor vehicle mishap prevention tips about being safe and not becoming a statistic.
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/ for tips on motor vehicle safety.