The National Safety Council has declared June as National Safety Month and the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center hosted a Safety Fair here June 1.
More than 200 Rock Island Arsenal employees attended the event. The main attraction at the safety fair was the drinking and driving simulator that is part of the National Save a Life Tour which is presented by Kramer International. The simulation is designed to educate people about the dangerous effects of alcohol impairment on driving skills.
"It is pretty realistic, starting and stopping was very difficult," said RIA-JMTC Electrical Maintenance Technician. "Trying to correct yourself and keep the wheel straight when you were beginning to serve was also hard."
Drivers took a seat behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus. Drivers felt like they were truly in the car since the simulator had all the controls of a real car, including air conditioning, sound, and a 225 foot field of vision through the use of three monitors that surround the driver's seat. The simulator presenters used a non-traditional, "Shock Jock" approach to alcohol awareness and anti-drinking and driving. They provided participants with hard facts about the consequences of drinking and driving.
In addition to the driving simulator, other booths were on hand to share safety tips and advice. Other participants included the RIA-JMTC Safety Office, RIA Garrison Safety Office, RIA Arsenal Fire Department, the Employee Assistance Program, the Coast Guard and the RIA health clinic.
"The safety fair was a great way to make people aware of safety issues that we face every day," said RIA-JMTC Safety Manager, Scott Nelson.
The RIA Fire Department sponsored fire extinguisher hands-on training. Participants learned how to check an extinguisher as well as how to properly use it to put out a fire.
"Even though I have a fire extinguisher in my house, I have never used one on a real fire," said RIA-JMTC Protocol Officer Trish Swanson.
Another event was the fork lift rodeo sponsored by the RIA-JMTC Supply Chain Management Directorate. Anyone who had a valid fork lift driver's license had a chance to compete for bragging rights in the factory.
Kurt Hurst took first place in the rodeo while, Ron Smithson was runner up. Other participants from RIA-JMTC included Brian Fry, Russell Coons, Doug Strohbehn, Ben Warren.
The safety fair was part of the Army's 101 days of Summer Safety campaign.
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