Don’t be rash with last weeks of summer Published Aug. 8, 2011 By Capt. Kathleen Ferrero Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE -- As the end of a record-hot summer draws near, it's tempting to cram in whatever fun can be had in a matter of weeks. This is one reason August is a historically high traffic mishap month. "For many folks, the kids are going back to school in a few weeks, and people are probably trying to rush and experience a whole summer in less than a month," said Senior Master Sgt. Todd Wadkins, Air Mobility Command ground safety division. Unsafe driving continues to be the leading cause of injury and death to Air Force members, AMC Safety Director Col. Donald J. Halpin said. An AMC Airman died July 23 due to injuries sustained from a private motor vehicle accident, and Wadkins said speed was a factor. The Air Force sustained 16 fatalities during last year's summer safety campaign. There have been nine deaths so far this season, said AMC's ground safety chief Joe Hughes. Four were the result of motor vehicle mishaps -- three of which were motorcycles; and two were water-related. "As we head into the last full month of the (critical days of summer), I urge you to keep your guard up," Halpin said. "Over the past two years, August has been a very deadly stretch of summer with a majority of Air Force members losing their lives as the result of motor vehicle operations. AMC has lost one Airman in August each of past two years - both were PMV mishaps involving excessive speed and alcohol," Halpin said. These next few weeks, every Airman can save lives by simply planning ahead and looking out for their Wingman. This means not jumping in the car for a road trip after working a midnight shift, for example, Wadkins said. And of course, always have a designated driver when drinking. "You can't make a whole career in a month or week, but you sure can end one," Wadkins said.