KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As millions of travelers prepare for summer road trips, what goes through your mind when preparing to travel? Scenarios of what could go wrong along the way and what can be done to prevent them? Do you plan your trip or leave it to chance? The key to having a successful trip is to plan for the unexpected and use risk management in every step.
Earlier this spring, several members of the Air Force Safety Center demonstrated deliberate preparation and real time risk management during a 400-mile road trip to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“We started out by discussing our transportation plans for the trip,” said David Brandt, branch chief, Traffic Safety and Outreach. “We discussed what hazards could pop up during the trip and how we could address them and still get home safe.”
Perhaps the most obvious risk is mechanical failure. A breakdown, miles from civilization can be a costly and stressful experience. While Brandt prepared his truck and trailer for hauling his motorcycle over 800-miles round trip, John McLaughlin, deputy branch chief, Traffic Safety and Outreach, had his own set of challenges.
“Having just received my motorcycle from Japan three weeks before our trip, I needed to make sure it was ready for American roads by taking it to a local dealership for a tune-up, new tires, and recertification before even thinking about bringing it to USAFA,” said McLaughlin. “This was my first step to getting ready for the trip up to Colorado Springs.”
Before departing, they had a few more preparations to make. Brandt inspected his trailer and properly tied down his bike. McLaughlin purchased new riding gear to replace his old unserviceable gear and performed his T-CLOCS inspection.
Weather conditions can drastically alter road conditions and safety. From heavy rain and fog to wind and cold, adverse weather can make driving treacherous.
“My ride up was uneventful with plenty of stops to eat, stretch and refuel,” said McLaughlin. “The 400-mile ride was cold and windy on the way up, but because of my gear choices and preparation I was warm and comfortable the whole ride.”
After frequent communication and a long day of traveling, they made it to Colorado Springs where they were able to rest and prepare for their planned USAFA Annual Safety Day.
While in Colorado Springs, the nice weather took a turn. The forecast quickly changed from sunny all week to projected wind and snow less than six hours after the Safety Day ended.
“As the day and event went on, we became increasingly aware of the incoming storm,” said Brandt. “We had to make a series of on-the-spot decisions, juggling the fatigue of the day with the threat of the incoming storm. In the end, we decided to leave after the event.”
The driver is often the biggest variable in road trip safety. An honest evaluation and mitigation plan for risks like fatigue, road conditions, and driving abilities is vital for accident prevention.
McLaughlin left for home as soon as the event ended to get through the Raton Pass before the brunt of the storm hit the local area. He was spared from the snow but had to battle against heavy winds during his ride south.
“After a long day of work and driving 170 miles south while riding against very strong winds, I was exhausted,” said McLaughlin. “I was able to rent a hotel room in Raton where I avoided the worst of the weather and was able to safely drive the final leg of the trip the following day.”
While McLaughlin began his ride home, Brandt still had work to do, cleaning up after the Safety Day event and properly strapping his own motorcycle back on his trailer.
“After sending McLaughlin home before me, I had my own risk management decision to make,” said Brandt. “I was dealing with the same intense winds and dust storms as Mr. McLaughlin. But because I was inside my truck instead of riding my motorcycle, I felt comfortable driving all the way home. I reduced my speed in low visibility areas and made stops to refuel, eat, and ensure my trailer and motorcycle straps were still secure.”
The decisions made throughout the trip, from pre-departure inspections to adjusting due to unexpected weather, reflected comprehensive risk management.
“This trip was a real-world application of the risk management process in action.” said Matthew Shover, Department of the Air Force Risk Management program manager. “From evaluating travel hazards and equipment limitations to adjusting for weather and fatigue, our team demonstrated deliberate, real-time decision-making to ensure mission success.”
For additional information on roadway safety: Driving and Roadway Safety