ORM helps bring people home after holiday

  • Published
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Safety
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  In a time of force restructuring and relentless wartime responsibilities, people remain the Air Force's most precious resource.

High-caliber warriors like those on Team Vance cannot be mass-produced.
Therefore, continuous, proactive risk management with a healthy dose of good judgment is the best way to ensure everyone has a safe holiday and comes back refreshed and ready to accomplish the mission. Together, Team Vance can accomplish the following:

Promote traffic safety awareness. A majority of Team Vance members will travel some distance this holiday season to be with friends and loved ones, as will millions of others across the nation.

Statistics clearly show a sharp rise in the number of traffic fatalities during this heavy travel season. On average, 120 people lose their life each day in automobile accidents. Probability of an accident increases dramatically with inclement weather, fatigue and "get-home-itis."

Make sure people have a travel plan that makes sense, with good options to stop and get rest or stay away from bad road conditions. Make sure vehicles are safe for travel, and always wear restraining devices. An estimated 15,000 people were saved last year during accidents because they were wearing a seat belt.

The auto skills center offers free 21-point vehicle inspections Wednesday through Dec. 22, just in time for holiday travel. The inspections identify vehicle issues needing attention before they cause an accident or a cold night on the side of the road.

Clearly communicate a no-tolerance policy on drinking and driving. "It only takes one, and your driving is done!" Drinking and driving is a crime, and it results in long-term devastating effects for victims, their families and their friends. There is simply no excuse for not having a mature, responsible plan for consuming alcohol, getting back home ... and staying home!

The wing safety office has published a "Guide to Responsible Party Planning" that has great tips to keep holiday parties focused off alcohol. It identifies those who must not drive and helps hosts make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. The guide is available on the wing safety Web page and in hard copy. Additionally, the wing is purchasing key chains with a wingman reminder and phone numbers for Vance Against Drunk Driving and the Safe Ride Home programs to help ensure no one drinks and gets behind the wheel when better options are available.

Get a personal commitment from people this holiday season to look out for each other. Be accountable to a responsible wingman and help troops in need. This season of celebration can be a season of despair for those without family or opportunity. Financial difficulties, loneliness and relational conflicts can lead to depression, alcohol abuse and suicide. Take a look at fellow Airmen and act to prevent a tragedy. Be willing to sacrifice personal plans to take in someone less fortunate and turn their season around. The giver receives the greatest reward.

Team Vance must work together to ensure troops and their families return safely from the holiday break and are fit to fight. This is without a doubt the most valuable gift people can give or receive this year. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.