Slow down, look, listen: Maintaining traffic discipline

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska --  When driving on base it's important to remember some basic rules of the road. Do not use a cell phone without a hands-free system while driving. Do not change lanes without a turn signal. Always look for an emergency vehicle when sirens are in the air. However, drivers must maintain the discipline necessary to actually follow these rules and avoid the risk of an accident.

Tech Sgt. Lakeithia Harding, 673d Security Forces Squadron operations support assistant noncommissioned officer in charge, said most accidents on JBER involve privately owned vehicles hitting other POVs or private and government-owned vehicles hitting stationary objects.

JBER drivers need to observe proper vehicle distance at high-traffic areas, observe and heed all yield and stop signs and ensure they are aware of the on-base-specific rules and regulation for operating a motor vehicle.

Harding said some accidents are due to distractions, such as wildlife, unfamiliarity with locations and watching airborne aircraft. But, most accidents occur solely due to drivers not following the rules.

"This calendar year there have been a total of 263 reported vehicle accidents on JBER," Harding said. "More than 90 percent of these accidents occur in parking lots due to speed and inattentive driving. Personnel should always utilize extreme caution when driving through parking lots, especially highly-populated areas such as the base exchange."

Joseph Fischer, Army and Air Force Exchange main service store, manager said his customers include dependents and small children. Those customers are who make up the pedestrian traffic going to and through the BX parking lot depends on vigilant drivers to keep them safe.

"The big thing is to slow down and follow the lines and flow of traffic in the parking lot," Fischer said.

Harding said she agreed.

"Drivers in the base exchange parking lot should never assume they have the right of way or that other drivers see them," Harding said. "If you aren't certain a driver can see you, it is best to stop and let that vehicle pass. And, for those who cut through the parking lots outside of normal flow of traffic, I say don't do it. How much time are you really saving? Not only are you endangering yourself, you are endangering others. Drivers will be cited for such violations."

For a full list of base driving rules, refer to Air Force Instruction 91-207.