Remember to drive smartly, defensively

  • Published
  • By Mr. Joseph Amaro
  • 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  We have now entered the 101 Critical Days of Summer which ranges from May to September. It is during this timeframe that many driving accidents will occur due to unsafe acts -- whether caused by you or by another individual.

We've heard "drive smart and defensively" many times yet, do you practice it? Or, does this phrase go in one ear and out the other ear. As for myself, I constantly drive smart and defensively. Although it seems on occasion it really doesn't matter as some drivers can look you directly in the eye and still come close to hitting you.

Nevertheless, most of us transport children in our vehicles which warrants smart and defensive driving measures be implemented to ensure their safety. One might ask: What else can I do to prevent an accident? There are many things you can do to help prevent or at least minimize your involvement in an accident.

Ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Meaning your tires have good tread and are properly inflated. All brakes are operational, your 360 degree field of vision is unobstructed i.e., items hanging from your inside mirror or items placed on your rear window deck do not block your view. In addition, all windows should be free of dirt and grime and you should be able to see clearly thru all of them. All vehicle occupants should be wearing seatbelts and/or some type of authorized restraint system and all exterior lights should be fully operational. As far as your interior lights working, at least your dashboard lights should be operational to allow you to see your instruments and/or gauges during night driving.

If your feel you are being tailgated, move to the next lane and let them pass by. There is no need for you to continue having someone read your bumper stickers up close...just let them by.

Ensure you are physically and mentally fit to drive. Do not drive or continue to drive if:
- Your medications make you drowsy
- You've been driving for a long period of time and are getting tired
- Extreme weather has come upon you
- Your vehicle begins to break down
- And do not get stuck on stupid and drive a vehicle after you've been drinking, period! A DUI charge is almost certainly a career killer and you will lose your on-base and possibly your off-base driving privileges. Don't forget, your insurance rates also go up, and, the unthinkable could happen...someone could be injured or worse be killed. Do not, repeat, do not drink and drive!!

To quickly summarize; drive defensively and ensure your vehicle is in 100 percent sound mechanical condition and, be well rested so you are able to think clearly and rationally. To sound a bit cliché...driving defensively and smart will allow you to arrive alive!! Safe travels and hope to see you at the next rest stop.

Editor's note: this is a Battle of the Squadrons submission