TOP STORY>>Critical Days of Summer

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Today marks the beginning of the U.S. Air Force’s Critical Days of Summer. The program is designed to highlight safety topics and remind Airmen to take precautions when participating in activities that are normally enjoyed during the summer months.

At Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., the first week of the Critical Days of Summer kicks off with motorcycle safety. A different Hollywood movie theme each week will represent the Critical Days of Summer and add a touch of big-screen glamour to the program. The Hollywood movie theme for motorcycle safety is “Wild Hogs.”

According to NBC 4 in Washington, D.C., six percent of Airmen ride motorcycles. While this is not a majority of Airmen in the Air Force, the number is staggering when compared to the number of motorcycle fatalities in the entire Air Force.

From June 2009 – September 2013, more than 35 motorcycle fatalities, including fatalities on sports bikes, cruisers and scooters, occurred in the Air Force. The death rate for these fatalities was typically in younger motorcyclists between the ages of 20-29 years old.

The 19th Airlift Wing ground safety office offers information needed in order to ensure the most effective Critical Days of Summer campaign including the acronym T-CLOCS. T-CLOCS, which stands for tires and wheels, controls, lights, oil and fluids, chassis, and stand is a concept for motorcyclists to help them remember the steps to take before riding off into the sunset.

“The ground safety office is here to assist everyone during the campaign,” said Rick Myers, 19th AW ground safety manager. “If anyone has questions or concerns, they can let us know.”

The Critical Days of Summer campaign is an effective tool used throughout the Air Force. Look for each week’s movie theme, portraying different safety messages.

For more information, call the 19th AW ground safety office at (501) 987-3599.