Fall into good safety habits this autumn

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  As the bright summer months become breezier autumn days, many are trying to get in those last trips of the season.

Whether staying at home getting cozy for the brisk September through November fall or planning a last-minute soiree, Airmen are advised to continue practicing safe behavior by heeding pertinent safety tips.

"One of the biggest hazards comes from those who are trying to get in those last-minute vacations," explained Tech. Sgt. Joseph Hernandez, 86th Airlift Wing Ground Safety NCO. "We see a lot of people going out far during these late trips to enjoy the warmer weather before it cools down late in the season."

Airmen should not rush their planning and continue to thoroughly assess the risks of the area to which they are travelling, says Hernandez.

According to Hernandez, another risk in autumn is driving on Halloween night. The risks of vehicle-related accidents rise significantly during this time period.

"The risk with this holiday is the high volume of kids around at night," said Hernandez. "They're running house to house and in the streets; this is dangerous to begin with. Now put them in dark-clothed costumes at night"

Halloween isn't the only aspect of the fall that should have motorists cautious. During the fall, Germany's weather can be unpredictable. Hernandez says preparing for an accident is the best advice to heed, and it starts with the vehicle.

"Make sure your car functions properly before the bad weather hits," said Hernandez. "I also recommend purchasing decent tires that will keep good friction between the rubber and the road. If you want to upgrade your suspension or engine, make sure you upgrade those tires as well to match that increase in power."

While bad weather cannot be prevented, one major risk among Airmen that can be controlled is irresponsible drinking. With many fests occurring in autumn, Airmen practice safe drinking habits, especially those new to alcohol.

"Airmen who haven't drunk a whole lot stateside going to these events for the first time are going to try new things out," explained Hernandez. "They're inexperienced. ... This could lead to hazardous behavior such as drinking and driving."


The final advice Hernandez gave was in regards to the mass amount of Airmen returning from deployment this season, as he warned about a behavior pattern he names "the invincibility complex."

"They've been down range for a while and working really hard, maybe getting shot at as well," said Hernandez. "When they come back to the "normal" side of life, they believe since they survived all of that, they can do whatever they want and nothing will hurt them."

With this increase in risky behavior in the autumn season, the likeliness in car accidents increases vastly, says Hernandez.

"It sneaks up on people," continued Hernandez. "My advice is if you think you're doing something reckless, ask yourself if the ends justify the means.

No matter the activity, Hernandez believes assessing the risks of the situation is the best way to prevent injuries or worse.

Organizations should contact their safety representatives to learn more about what is expected from their respective shops. For more information, call 480-SAFE (7233) or 06371-47-7233.