RAF Lakenheath promotes 2008 Fall Safety Campaign Published Oct. 9, 2008 By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, United Kingdom -- To keep the mentality of safety year-round, the 48th Fighter Wing ground safety office is promoting the first-ever joint service Fall Safety Campaign. The 2008 Fall Safety Campaign, which now begins right after the 101 Critical Days of Summer, is another campaign to keep Airmen focused on safety when it involves the winter season, driving and upcoming holidays. Since September, the Air Force has had five fatalities during the campaign. "Safety is important because we need Airmen to help complete the mission here," said Master Sgt. James Middleton, 48th FW ground safety superintendent. "Most importantly, we want our people to go home to their families at the end of the day." To help promote the campaign on base, free car seat and vehicle inspections will be given in November, as well as periodic seat belt checks. "We will also have a booth set up at the fitness center, displaying Personal Protective Equipment from recent motorcycle accidents that saved two Airmen's lives," said Staff Sgt. Scott Richard, 48th FW ground safety craftsmen. The ground safety office will also be placing a wrecked vehicle outside one of the gates to remind drivers of the risks they take while driving under the influence. "We combine traffic safety with all the areas the campaign focuses on because driving is always involved in everything we do," Sergeant Middleton said. "During the holidays here, people make trips to different areas in the country and their means of transportation is usually their vehicle. We want to make sure that they are following all traffic laws and that their vehicles are prepared for the winter months." Another area the safety office would like to cover is the proper use of reflective gear. "It is important for people to know when to use a reflective belt," Sergeant Middleton said. "When time of reduced visibility, people must be wearing a reflective belt. Again, this is for everyone's safety." The safety office's main goal is to get the word out about safety. Flyers and e-mails will be sent out to remind everyone on base about the free inspection and upcoming events we plan to hold, Sergeant Richard said. "The wing can't accomplish the job alone if the troops are in the hospital or dead," Sergeant Richard said. "We want this campaign to encourage others to be proactive when it comes to safety." For more information about the 2008 Fall Safety Campaign, call Sergeant Richard at 226-1057.