A safer working and living environment

  • Published
  • 96th Security Forces Squadron
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Cell phone in one hand, morning coffee in the other, and a heavy foot on the pedal trying to make it to work on time; so are the days of our busy American lives.

While trying to keep up with an increasingly fast paced world, most drivers do not stop to think about the consequences of their distractions at the wheel until something tragic happens.

Eglin Air Force Base is not waiting for tragedy before enforcing safety at the wheel. Many have heard the use of Zero-Tolerance policies in schools, airports and communities across the country, but in order to protect pedestrians and drives alike, Eglin has its own Zero-Tolerance policy relating to driver safety.

"The need to protect our base populace is paramount," said Capt. Richard Pope, operations officer at the 96th Security Forces Squadron. "When you are behind the wheel, your focus must be on safety."

In order to ensure safety, the policy requires seat belt use by the driver and all passengers while the vehicle is in operation and drivers must obey all posted speed limit signs, with an increased emphasis in school zones and housing areas because of the potential for serious injury to the high pedestrian traffic. Parents do not need to worry if their child will be hit by a speeding driver on their way to school, riding their bicycles or playing outside.

In addition, pop-up barriers have been installed at the base gates that allow Security Forces to stop vehicles from entering the base if needed. Driving the posted speed limit is very important in these areas to allow drivers enough reaction time in an event the barriers are activated.

In a 2006 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states speeding was a contributing factor in 31% of all fatal crashes and that driver distraction from all sources contributes to 25% of all police-reported traffic crashes.

"The data clearly proves speeding and distractions at the wheel can lead to serious safety issues," Capt. Pope said. "We enforce these infractions because of the potential consequences they pose. Expect to see Security Force patrols throughout Eglin, but especially in the school zone and housing areas." The purpose for a zero tolerance policy is to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians by creating a safe environment for all to work and play.