Safely driving on base is a top priority

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Annette Diaz
  • 96th Security Forces Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's important to reflect on trends regarding safety improvements that affect everyone on Eglin Air Force Base. In doing so, we examine some key factors that directly apply to every person working and living on the base. 

In the last two years, there were more than 700 vehicle accidents on base. Although many accidents were minor in nature (property damage only), they could easily have been more serious or even disastrous.

The highest accident areas on base are parking lots and the East/West Gates. In these areas, most of the accidents were contributed to inattentive driving. Statistics show that the time of day was during peak traffic such as early morning, lunch time and at the end of a work day.

In 2007, there were 404 vehicle accidents, so Security Forces utilized selective enforcement at key areas such as Eglin Blvd/Nomad Way and Eglin Blvd/ Memorial Trail. Selective enforcement was also utilized in various locations throughout base housing. Several factors such as speed, failing to yield, inattentive driving, driving too fast for conditions, and driving under the influence were contributors in 198 of the 2007 accidents. These factors are influenced by the driver and often include poor trip preparation.

Drivers should take into account the time it will take for them to get to a designated place by a certain time. Trip preparation is an important factor and is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Institute of Police Technology and Management and Lackland Air Force Base, Traffic Management and Accident Investigation technical training as a major cause for traffic accidents. It is important to recognize that although cellular phone use is prohibited on base, there are many other things that distract drivers. Adjusting their child in the back seat, tuning in a radio station or watching something other than the roadway and your surroundings can cause a traffic crash. Another leading cause of base accidents is improper backing. In 2007, 64 accidents were caused by improper backing at various locations such as the Commissary, Base Exchange and Finance.

It's no surprise that Florida weather is usually bright and sunny, but sometimes it rains, which reduces visibility. Many drivers continue to operate their vehicles at higher speeds when their visibility is reduced and traction on the roadway is poor. Additionally, higher speeds around curves in the roadway become unmanageable causing traffic accidents, sometimes with injuries. In 2007, 17 accidents were caused by driving too fast for road conditions. Collective efforts by base safety, security forces and commanders providing safety briefings to their personnel reduced the number of driving too fast for conditions accidents to only five in 2008.

The speed limit leaving the base is 15mph. Security Forces Airmen and Department of the Air Force Civilian Guards (DAFCG) change the traffic pattern regularly during peak times of the day, which requires them to step into the traffic flow. The slower speed limit is set to reduce the chances of injury to the guards and it also facilitates quicker stops for the vehicles if the gates need to be closed. The speed limit is also necessary to prevent vehicles from striking the bollards which could cause an accident.

Security Forces enforces the rules of the road on a daily basis. Selective enforcement, where a patrol person sets up traffic enforcement in a designated location, is one way utilized to enforce the rules of the road. During selective enforcement, violations such as not wearing seatbelts, the use of cell phones, speeding and failing to stop at stop signs/traffic lights are enforced. The number of drivers speeding, using a cell phone or not wearing seatbelts on base has decreased in the past two years because of selective enforcement, suspension of driving privileges and safety briefings.

Military drunk driving apprehensions between 2007 and 2008 dropped two percent. One of the contributing factors to lower drunk driving incidents is 0-0-1-3 is. It stands for 0 underage drinking incidents, 0 DUI's, 1 drink an hour and only 3 drinks per session. Eglin AFB has volunteers who are willing to take time out of their schedule to drive for those that would like to have an alcoholic beverage. These personnel are known as Airmen Against Drunk Driving who can be reached at (850) 882-SAFE. These individuals help reduce DUI's and accidents. They have a great motto: "We drive so you don't have to!"

Security Forces have a military formation called guardmount which is the first call to duty. At guardmount, topics such as 0-0-1-3, vehicle safety, weapon safety, ground safety and break safety are covered. Security Forces also have great personnel working at the base entry points. The DAFCG personnel and Airmen are the first line of defense for Eglin AFB. The DAFCG and Airmen prevent drunk drivers from driving onto the base. Every year guards and Airmen are recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving for their DUI efforts. 

Careful evaluation and planning to protect our most prized asset, people, have led Security Forces, and safety-minded personnel to collectively decrease the number of traffic accidents, DUIs and other various traffic offenses. More importantly, the effort has reduced injuries and saved lives. Remember, the next time you drive, consider your surroundings and drive safely. 

(The Safety Office also contributed to this article)