Driving safely is important Published Oct. 1, 2007 By Mr. Joseph Amaro 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Drive Safely ... We hear this phrase almost everyday throughout our military careers. It encompasses everything we do from waking up in the morning, going to the kitchen and grabbing our first cup of coffee, then driving to work. We all have to practice and implement driving safety measures to ensure we are able to perform our military duties in a safe manner without harm or injury to self or anyone else. In addition, enforcing driving safety measures will also prevent damage to properties; whether it's your own or the government's. The following are just a few examples of how sound safety practices protect not only precious resources, but our lives and the lives of those around us as well. Why should we use our vehicle's blinkers when making a turn? To alert other driver's of our intentions, thereby preventing a possible accident. In most states, you can receive a ticket for not using blinkers. Why should motorcycle/bicycle riders wear helmets and other safety gear? To ensure they have a greater chance of survival and/or receive less injuries in case of an accident. Most states have mandatory helmet and protective clothing laws. Why should we use child carrier-type seats and restraint systems in our vehicles? Naturally, we want to ensure our loved ones are properly restrained to be protected from injury in case of an accident. The common sense factor applies here. Why should we drive posted speed limits? Imagine if there were none. Sure, you'll be able to drive like a bat out-of-hell, however, a dramatic increase in accidents and injuries would surely occur, adding to the already overcrowded hospitals. Vehicle and life insurance rates would sky-rocket. Speed limits are posted for many reasons; some of which are to ensure an orderly flow of traffic and to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants. Be safe and drive the posted speed limit. SAFETY stands for S - Secure yourself, others, and equipment when traveling A - Always think two or three steps ahead of what you are doing F - Familiarize yourself with your surroundings E - Expect the unexpected; do not let your guard down and allow an unsafe act to occur T - Tires have good tread and are properly inflated Y - Why? Because living without good driving safety measures will almost guarantee an accident, injury or fatality ... arrive alive.