Wake Up Number 37

February 03 2025
By: Traci D. Long

Some people seem nearly unimpacted by serious incidents. Typically, such events are followed by calls that "people make mistakes" and "accidents happen" regardless of not knowing what led up to tragedy. I consider this a typical form of complacency, which strongly reinforces the need for technologies such as automated vehicles and robotic workers where accidents are regular.

After hearing of the crash over the Potomac, I immediately began fully reading every related post hoping to find any details, knowing they would still be scant. I read a post from a Blackhawk helicopter Army crew chief. He trained pilots to fly these craft, which was obviously very involved. He pointed his message at those posting that the collision was suspect and said "Humans are involved. They aren’t perfect." And while I agree we are bound to make mistakes, the potential horrendous outcome is precisely why we depend on more than just the pilot/crew and equipment to avoid casualties of human error.

This was a wake-up call to many. We’ve all noticed many recent near misses, but do you recall the outcome of any of those investigations? Without understanding we will fail to avoid the next event. Complacency is like floating down the river wherever it takes you. These wake-up calls get many out of complacency mode and ready to act.

The lesson from these incidents is clear: complacency is a silent and dangerous adversary. We must acknowledge the reality that human error is inevitable, but also manageable. By understanding and learning from these events, we equip ourselves with the 'paddles' needed to navigate the unpredictable currents, ensuring that we are not merely passengers but proactive participants in our safety and progress. Each near miss and tragedy should serve not just as a wake-up call, but as a catalyst for change and improvement.

"I heard this voice like somebody whispering in my ear. Wake up number 37. And then I woke up."
-Mothman Prophecies