Traffic safety tips to get you on base, beyond

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bradley Barnes
  • 49th Fighter Wing safety office
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Traffic safety is an important part of driving on and off base, Airmen need to be aware of what's going on around them while they are on the road. 

It's Monday morning, it's been a long weekend, and you're running late for work. As you are approaching the gate, you think: it's Monday morning at 6:55 and everyone else was excited to get to work and made it on time. Boy, were you wrong. The lines waiting to get on base are backed up all the way to the access road. You see two other cars trying to get in front of you so your pedal goes down, you cut in front of them and exit the ramp. You are patiently awaiting your turn to go, and see the girl to the left putting on makeup and put the pedal down again to get a little closer. Finally your turn arrives and make it through the gate and off to work. 

This situation happens a lot to get through the gates. You may not realize it, but, there are a few safety tips for approaching the gate. 

First, the turn going off Highway 70, also known as the Holloman 500, is not the same kind of turn in the Daytona 500. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour, so as you're exiting the Holloman 500, be aware that your speed needs to drop. 

As for all the cars being backed up after you stop, don't try to cut in front of them just to gain a spot. There are no lanes designating which vehicles are to go into to each entry control point. Be courteous, wait your turn and watch for other drivers. 

As we all know, there is major construction going on with the new housing privatization occurring on base. There is a lot of traffic going in and out of the West Gate, mainly dump trucks carrying items that have been demolished. Large items will be in the back of these trucks, and could fall onto the road causing vehicles to strike them or cause flat tires. Also, be aware while walking through the construction zones that heavy equipment will be traveling the same roads you are. 

There are many changes to posted signs and there are many new ones around base. Watch for workers walking in blind spots and vehicles backing out of one-way streets. Please be vigilant of where you walk, run, and ride bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. 

Observe work zone warning signs. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles, barriers, workers and equipment. Be extra cautious when driving through an active work zone at night. Pay attention to flaggers directing traffic and merge at the first notice of a lane closure or change. 

The tips above are mainly base specific. The following are general traffic safety tips for when driving around town. 

One in four crashes involves driver distraction. Drivers who use cell phones while driving have a higher risk of collision than drivers who don't - whether holding the phone or using a hands-free device. While driving on base, the speaker phone in your hand is not a hands-free device because you are still holding it. If you decide to use the speaker phone, place it in your lap or on your vehicle console so you can still hold both hands on the steering wheel and talk at the same time. 

In a collision with a train, you are 40 times more likely to be killed than if you were in a collision with another vehicle. I would say the odds are against you. There are a few tips on how to approach a crossing correctly: reduce speed when approaching crossings and look both ways. Turn down your stereo and listen for a train. If red lights are flashing or if crossing arms have been lowered, stop. Never stop on the tracks. A train going 50 mph needs a mile and a half to stop. Be sure all tracks are clear before crossing and there may be more than one set. 

Even though we are located in the desert, we know we still get rain and it does flood here. When it rains, it seems people just forget how to drive. Six inches of rain can float a vehicle, maybe that's why people act scared. When a flash flood occurs, be prepared for anything. Never try to walk, swim or drive through swift water. Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving. 

If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. Objects could also be floating down the streets causing you to strike them. Don't move, tamper with or drive around barriers blocking a low-water crossing. The road block sign doesn't mean you are the only one who can go down it. 

School has started, so let's all be aware of the movement of children crossing the streets and waiting to catch the school buses. 

Stop for the flashing red lights on a school bus, regardless of which direction you're headed. Continue your trip once the bus has moved, the flashing lights stop flashing or the bus driver signals it's okay to pass. Obey the posted speed limit, speeding fines double in school zones. Also, keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops, watching for children who might dart across the street. Always remember kids will be kids and watch for someone else's child like you would want your own to be watched. 

For more information, contact the 49th Fighter Wing Safety office at 572-3793.