Safety officials work to predict, avert mishaps

  • Published
  • By BEN BRUCE
  • 56th Fighter Wing Safety
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke Air Force Base Airmen were recently challenged to come up with a list predicting the next mishap that could happen here on the ground and in the air. 

Statistics gathered by the 56th Fighter Wing Safety office from all the base groups showed that the biggest hazards Airmen predicted regarding ground safety centered on vehicle operations, pedestrian and jogger safety, and accidents at the base gates. 

"The results indicated that the major concerns of the base populace surrounded vehicle operations on the base," said Lt. Col. James Abatti, 56th FW chief of safety. "There is a tremendous interaction daily between vehicles, joggers, pedestrians, bicycles and golf carts." 

Specific areas of concern highlighted by Luke Airmen included pedestrian traffic between the 56th Medical Group clinic and the base exchange, traffic in the Base Exchange parking lot, and pedestrian and joggers crossing Super Saber Street near the South Gate. Also of concern is the lack of a protected left turn leaving the base at the North Gate, and traffic congestion entering the South Gate in the morning. 

Awareness of these higher threat areas is only the first step in mishap prevention. Everyone needs to be more attentive while driving, walking, jogging or bicycling in these areas. A combined awareness of the threat and increased attention by all can reduce the chances of having the "next mishap" at Luke. 

The research also divulged that the top concerns of military members were in line with concerns civilians have off-base. The larger challenge is driving outside the installation. Motor vehicles have become the number one threat to military personnel. 

"The most dangerous thing we do every day is drive back and forth to work," said Colonel Abatti. "We need to be mindful of red light runners and dangerous intersections and ensure we drive defensively to avoid distractions."
Regarding aircraft mishaps, the top vote getters included flight path conflicts between military and general aviation aircraft, flightline incidents, and gravity-induced loss of consciousness -- better known as GLOC. 

"The wing executes aggressive programs to reduce the potential of mid-air collisions and GLOC," said Maj. Todd Tobergte, 56th FW chief of flight safety. 

Concerns of flightline incidents varied from vehicle-aircraft interaction on the flight-line to proper taxi procedures to ground-crew fatigue, he said. 

"Procedures are put in place in order to provide a balance between operational needs and safety," Major Tobergte said. "But we cannot overemphasize the importance of being well rested, proper nutrition and hydration, and being fit. These elements provide the foundation for effective, efficient and safe mission accomplishment." 

Thanks to the information gathered, base officials can take action to avert future mishaps as much as possible. For example, one of the initiatives is working with other agencies on base to identify alternative jogging routes to keep joggers separated from vehicle traffic. The wing is also looking at improving driver education by use of computer technology to create more defensive drivers. 

"We need to do a better job of teaching defensive driving strategies," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Aucoin, 56th FW safety education and training NCO-in-charge. "We are beginning to use driving simulators to increase driving skills, especially in younger drivers." 

Even the best training and safety measures cannot prevent a mishap. The key to mishap prevention is heightened awareness of the threat and increased attention. Focusing on these key areas can make a difference.