Preparation, attentive driving key in summer vehicle safety Published Aug. 14, 2009 By Meredith March 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- As the Air Force's 2009 Critical Days of Summer campaign heads into its last month, the 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office is happy to report that, as of Aug. 14, Hanscom has not suffered any fatalities since Memorial Day. This is a direct result of the community's commitment to safety, Operational Risk Management practice and dedication to being good Wingmen. Unfortunately, the Air Force has lost twelve Airmen - three more fatalities than we had at the same point last year - during this critical period. Ten of the fatalities were the result of motor vehicle-related mishaps. As we approach late summer, many families and individuals will try to squeeze last minute activities into the time remaining before school starts. The Hanscom community is encouraged to keep safety in mind and remain vigilant about properly maintaining motor vehicles, wearing personal protection equipment, following traffic laws, driving sober and avoiding distractions. Summer motor vehicle maintenance Proper vehicle maintenance is a summer safety necessity. A vehicle that has been serviced according to its manufacturer's standards and is well maintained simply requires a few basic safety checks before it is ready for the road. · Tires: Check the tire pressure while the tires are cold (the vehicle hasn't been driven for three hours or more) and add air as necessary according to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressures, which are usually printed on a label placed inside the driver's side door jam. Also check the tires' tread. If the tread is worn to less than 1/16 of an inch, the tire should be replaced. Tires should also be checked for irregular wear patterns that may indicate the tires need to be rotated. · Belts and hoses: Summer heat can accelerate rubber belt and hose degradation, so all belts and hoses should be checked for cracks, blisters and cuts. Belts or hoses showing signs of wear should be replaced immediately. · Wiper blades: Rubber windshield wiper blades are also subject to heat damage and should be replaced if any signs of wear are visible. · Cooling system: The cooling system should be flushed as recommended and have adequate levels of coolant to keep passengers cool and prevent the vehicle's engine from overheating during long summer drives. · Fluid levels: Oil should be regularly changed and transmission, power steering, brake and windshield washer fluids should be topped off and checked for leaks. If leaks are found, the vehicle should be serviced before being driven considerable distances. · Lights: All of the vehicle's lights should be checked and verified to be in working order, including head, brake, interior and trailer lights, as well as turn signals and emergency flashers. · Air conditioning: Children, seniors and some adults can be sensitive to heat. To keep them safe and comfortable during summer drives, it is important to make sure that the vehicle's air conditioning system is functioning properly. Air conditioning system maintenance should be done by a professional technician. Safe driving Obeying traffic laws and driving sober and alert is imperative at all times - even during sunny summer weather. The safety office encourages members of the Hanscom community to follow the safe driving tips below to avoid vehicle-related mishaps. Situational awareness: · Scan the roadway ahead to the left and right, using the vehicle's mirrors to keep an eye on traffic behind. · Adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots -- drivers should not see their car in either of the side mirrors. · When the light turns green pause and look both ways to make sure no one is running the red light -- use the 1, 2, 3 Rule. Drivers should be well rested. Driving drowsy causes more than 100,000 auto accidents per year according to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Web site at www.osha.gov. Danger signals for drowsy drivers: · Drifting between lanes, tailgating or missing traffic signs. · Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves. · You don't remember driving the last few miles. · You keep jerking the car back into the lane. · You have wandering thoughts or can't stop yawning. Drivers who have even one of these symptoms could be sleepier than they think and should get some sleep before driving; pulling to the side of the road to take a cat nap is not the solution. The safety office also urges those who are planning summer trips to take the following precautions: · Plan enough time for the trip · Let someone know the trip's destination and timetable. · Watch out for aggressive drivers. "Be patient and courteous to other drivers," said Staff Sgt. Narto Simmons, 66th Air Base Wing Ground Safety apprentice. "Correct unsafe driving which may endanger or provoke other motorists. It's simply not worth the risk." · Avoid excessive speed and always wear a seat belt. · Don't try to use "tricks" to stay awake on long trips. · Talk later and limit distractions that divert your attention from the road. Those who remain in town should remember to avoid taking unnecessary risks when enjoying the outdoors and use extreme caution when boating, swimming and when using all-terrain vehicles. All members of the Hanscom community should also remember to be conscientious Wingmen and be watchful of others. For more information, call the 66 ABW Safety Office at (781) 377-5135.