72 ABW Commander's thanksgiving message Published Nov. 24, 2015 By Col. Stephanie Wilson Commander, 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, oKLA. -- Wildcatters, With the arrival of the Thanksgiving week the holiday season will be in full swing. The potential for motor vehicle accidents rises dramatically as highways are more crowded and driving distances are longer than normal. One way to minimize accident risk is to do most of your driving during daylight hours. Distracted driving is also a major and deadly problem on our roads. Resist the urge to text, talk on the cell-phone, fiddle with the radio controls, enjoy a meal behind the steering wheel, apply make-up, and the list goes on-and-on. Stay focused on the task at hand - operating the vehicle safely to stay alive - and remain properly buckled-up when the vehicle is in motion. "Black Friday" marks the kick-off for holiday shopping and an increase in parking lot hazards for you, your children and your purchases. Drivers are anxious to get to the next sale and may not watch carefully for pedestrians in parking lots, may travel at high rates of speed or may inadvertently travel the wrong way down a parking aisle. When walking in parking lots, keep your children near you and watch for vehicles at all times. Over these next few days, please stay alert to your surroundings and practice good risk management. I look forward to your safe return following the holiday and wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving Celebration! VR Col W Stephanie P. Wilson, Col, USAF Commander, 72 ABW O: (405) 734-2101 DSN 884 C: (405) 388-0216