Assess risks while out and about during busy summer Published July 31, 2008 By Steve Serrett 72nd ABW Safety Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- As the 101 Critical Days of Summer advance, more of us are taking to the streets and highways for vacation and other types of pleasure. Before we take off on those trips, please take some time to further engage in risk assessment. Identify the hazards: · Vehicle crashes associated with: · Weather (rain, slippery roads, and poor visibility) · Road conditions (construction, pavement quality, loose surface material, narrow two-lane roads) · Traffic (tourists and travelers). · Impaired drivers (intoxication, exhaustion) · Animals/wildlife · Unseen situations · Becoming stranded Assess the risk: Then assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss and severity: · Severe injury and death may result from any vehicle crash associated with the stated hazards · Being stranded can has cost lives Analyze risk control measures: Once you have identified the hazards and assessed the associated risk, you should decide on some controls that can be employed to reduce or mitigate the hazards: · Check the weather and drive accordingly. Don't take chances with summer rain. The roads may become slippery and visibility may be poor. · Check for tire tread depth and windshield wiper operation. · Listen to local radio stations for road conditions. · Travel outside of peak travel-times. Drive knowing that you may be slowed by construction, vehicle accidents, or for other untold reasons. Keep road rage caged. · DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Use a designated driver program. Get plenty of rest before venturing out of town. · Be ready for wildlife in the roadway at any time. · Drive defensively and be especially cautious on roads you have not previously traveled. · Check into alternate methods of traveling; consider taking a train to your destination. · Take spare parts and tools on extended trips. Ensure you have items to sustain life: food, water and heat.