Use TRiPS for your next trip Published July 10, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kali L. Gradishar 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Concern seems to be a common emotion for supervisors. Whether it's drinking and driving, going on leave or driving long distances, there is usually some sort of advice-giving prior to the event. "The Air Force takes great pride in ensuring Airmen are taken care of, on and off the roads," said Major Leslie Picht, 92nd Air Refueling Wing chief of flight safety. Specifically for driving long distances, it is common to have a talk with a supervisor about staying safe and staying smart. In streamlining the process of heading out on a long trip, the Army developed TRiPS, the Travel Risk Planning System, to identify certain risks of a planned adventure. Sharing with the sister services, the Department of Defense aided the development of versions for each. The Air Force version has been in use since the beginning of this year's 101 Critical Days of Summer. "The Travel Risk Planning System is a web-based assessment tool for military members planning driving trips. TRiPS is designed as a planning tool for travelers and an eyes-on-target review tool for supervisors. Ultimately, the program encourages methodical assessments of travel risks while opening a one-on-one dialog between supervisors and subordinates," said Major Picht. TRiPS is an automated system used for assessing the possible risks of long-distance driving. After registering on the web site, the traveler can input trip details including the departure and arrival locations, age of the driver, driver's medications, proposed amount of sleep prior to driving, and other information. The system then evaluates possible risks, praises the good choices already made for the drive, and offers advice to lower risk. "TRiPS is extremely user friendly. It's an easy, quick assessment tool that could save lives. It also provides driving directions similar to many current web programs, and is complimentary to the current Leave Web process," said Major Picht. "Mishaps can happen at any time with little regard for age or rank. Protecting our Airman and their families is a team effort requiring responsible choices from the individuals and mentorship from their chain of command."