DAEGU GARRISON, Republic of Korea - Two significant holidays celebrated during the month of November are Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving. Military communities around the world, join family members and friends in honoring our nation's veterans while pausing to give thanks.

Everyone should enjoy these holidays, however increased travel and off-post recreational activities create a higher than normal accident potential.

To guard against accidents, leaders shall ensure personnel receive "Under the Oak Tree Counseling" prior to beginning each of the holiday periods. Counseling, at a minimum, shall include but not be limited to:

Motor Vehicle Safety: Motor vehicles account for the greatest number of holiday accidents. Within Korea, unique traffic conditions and different driving customs compound normal driving hazards. Driving under the influence, excessive speed, following too close and failure to yield the right of way are major causes of accidents. Defensive driving shall be stressed to all military, DA Civilians and Family

Members during the upcoming holidays.

Personal Responsibility: Self-control and appropriate personal behavior, both on and off-post shall be encouraged. The use of on-post facilities is recommended, and moderation in alcohol consumption is emphasized. Please do not drink and drive. Alcohol-related crashes are the number one cause of preventable traffic fatalities.

Conscientious use of seatbelts for all vehicle occupants both front and rear.

Reduce driving speed when encountering adverse conditions such as wet roads, heavy traffic, fog, ice or snow.

Use the buddy system. Soldiers, Civilians and Family Members must look out for one another.

Personnel are reminded of driving risks associated with fatigue. A good countermeasure is to take a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving time.

Our goal is to have accident-free holidays. It is up to all of us to reach this goal.

Please take time out to say "thanks" to our Veterans - Happy Veterans Day! And Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families!

For more information contact the USAG Daegu Safety Office, 768-7233.