Slow down on winter roadways

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kyle Johnson
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Security Forces have noticed a trend - an increased number of traffic accidents at intersections around Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Motorists may feel the need to cut a yellow light too close for fear of not being able to stop in time at the intersection, but if they are obeying road conditions guidance, they will always be able to stop, said Master Sgt. Christopher Anderson, 673d Security Forces Operations noncommissioned officer.

"If they are driving responsibly, they shouldn't find themselves in that position at all," Anderson said. "The yellow lights at stoplights are timed to be enough time to stop, even driving the speed limit. Then there's the delay between when your light turns red and the other lights turn green. There's safety built into those lights."

Though the importance of obeying road conditions cannot be overemphasized, drivers have plenty of options to reduce the risk of finding themselves in a compromising situation.

Drivers should be aware of their driving experience, their vehicle's and tires' capabilities, the visibility in the area, the traction on the road and what the other drivers are doing at the intersection, when approaching a stop sign or traffic light, Anderson said.

"I think people aren't providing enough time to slow down," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Qualle, 673d Security Forces police services noncommissioned officer said. "They think they can slow down at the stop sign or intersection. Slow down before the intersection so you can stop [in time.]"

Motorists should also expect road conditions to change as they traverse different areas of base, Anderson said.

"The heavily traveled roads are going to be better," Qualle said. "If you turn onto a road that isn't so heavily traveled it's going to be slicker."
According to the Traffic Safety workgroup, 86.7 percent of traffic accidents happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., mostly in the early hours of the morning.

Fiscal year 2015 had fewer accidents than either of the previous two fiscal years, but motorists should not grow complacent in the recent mild weather; stay alert and drive safe.

For more information on road conditions, check the official JBER Facebook page or Twitter feed, visit www.jber.af.mil, or subscribe to text alerts via AtHoc.