Wearing reflective belts can save lives

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska   –   During this time of year in Alaska, darkness lingers. By mid-winter, it's dark until 10 a.m. and gets dark again at 4 p.m. Days are so dark that drivers on the road have a hard time seeing pedestrians and cyclists.

To help alleviate this issue, all uniformed military members on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson are required to wear reflective belts or a reflective material while outside on base during hours of darkness and inclement weather. Safety officials encourage everyone, whether in uniform or not, to abide by this policy.

The material used to create a reflective belt bounces light back at the source, making it easier for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists.

A reflective belt is not required while wearing Air Force physical training uniforms, since it is made with reflective material, but Army PT uniforms require reflective belts.

JBER instruction 91-202 explains, in detail, when and where reflective belts must be worn, but a good rule of thumb is that if it is less than full daylight conditions, wear the belt.