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931st Safety Office gives holiday travel advice

  • Published
  • By 1st. Lt. Zach Anderson
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The American Automobile Association estimates more than 92-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season. Of those, AAA says 85.7 million will be traveling by road.

Most members of the 931st Air Refueling Group will be among that large number of people on the highways for the holiday season.

As members prepare to hit the road, the 931st Air Refueling Group safety office is spreading the word about the importance road safety.

"Our number one hazard during the holiday season is road trips. The number one mishap we look at and try to mitigate are road travel hazards," said Lt. Col. Travis Clark, 931st Air Refueling Group Chief of Safety.

Clark said too often individuals don't plan ahead before traveling, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

"Look at the weather conditions before you go. Map it out, and give yourself plenty of time. A lot of people push it to the last minute and stay visiting as long as they can. They think they can make an eight hour drive home in six hours and end up rushing," he said.

"It's better to give yourself time to travel back home, and if you are running behind, call your supervisor or your office and let them know. That's a safer way to do things than to try to rush back home."

Clark also said there are some small things everyone can do to keep safe while traveling during the holiday season.

"Make sure and check your vehicle out. Make sure that it's winterized. Make sure you have a couple of extra blankets in it in case you break down and it gets cold. Make sure you have good tires, and check your air pressure to make sure they are properly inflated. Cold temperatures can make tire pressure drop, which can lead to flats or blowouts. So definitely make sure your car is in good shape before you travel."

Clark said the bottom line is taking the time and precautions to ensure safe arrival both to and from the destination.

"Whether you are going across town on black Friday, or visiting relatives during Thanksgiving, just give yourself the time to get there. The roads are going to be crowded, and if there is rain or winter precipitation they will be slick. Slow down and take your time. You owe it to yourself, your family, and your co-workers to be safe."