RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Once winter arrives in England, removing ice, snow and all other seasonal debris prior to heading to work is not only a daily process, but an important one for the safety of all members of Team Mildenhall and the community.
With the holiday season right around the corner, the 100th Air Refueling Wing and 352d Special Operations Wing Safety offices are prepared to keep the team safe this season.
“During this time of year, we usually see a spike in car crashes all across the UK and our job in both safety offices is to educate our military, civilians, spouses and dependents,” said Tech. Sgt. Jose Martinez, 100th ARW Occupational Safety manager. “The increase can mainly be attributed to the amount of black ice built up, along with the dark conditions which can be prevalent throughout most of the day.”
Technical Sgt. Casey Loving, 352d SOW Occupational Safety manager, stressed how important it is for members to familiarize themselves with British roads now that there are added hazards this time of year.
“One of the biggest dangers we face every day is the drive to and from work,” Loving said. “Whether it’s how narrow the roads are or, especially during winter months, only having a few hours of daylight – these all attribute to an increase in vehicle mishaps.”
Road Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event, coordinated annually by Brake, the road safety charity which aims to inspire people in the UK to take action on road safety and promote life-saving messages.
Prior to the start of the UK’s Road Safety Week, which runs Nov. 18 – 24, the safety offices kicked off their campaign by handing out traffic safety pamphlets across base and will be taking part in upcoming events to emphasize the safety mission.
“It’s great to work alongside our British counterparts during this time to ensure the safety of everyone in the local community,” Martinez said. “We ask that everybody take their time, drive to the conditions of both the road and weather and everyone will arrive at their destination safe and sound.”
In conjunction with promoting safe driving in the winter, the safety offices are also working towards thwarting drunk driving.
“The holiday season is upon us, and with numerous holiday events going on, we want to make sure people make the right decision before heading home,” Loving said. “We need everyone in the fight, so it’s our job to give people the information they need and hope everyone makes it home safe and sound.”
Being prepared and driving carefully will keep Team Mildenhall intact and get the mission done.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips for winter driving safety include:
• Scrape ice fully off all windows, including side windows as well as front and rear windshield
• Don’t overtake within the 10-mile radius around base per RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath no-passing policy, or anywhere it is unsafe to do so
• Make sure headlights are on during inclement weather, or when still dark in the mornings/starting to get dark in the evenings
Vehicle safety:
• Check fluid levels, belts and hoses
• Ensure heater and defroster are working
• Check tire pressure and tread
• Ensure brakes are working properly
• Test turn signals, brake and headlights, and hazard lights
• Check windshield wipers and replace if worn
• Keep emergency kit (including blankets, flashlight, water, energy bars, warning triangles and first aid kit) in the trunk
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don’t text and drive
What to do after a car accident:
• Driver must stop the car at the scene of the accident
• If car is drivable, place hazards on and find a safe place to stop
• Unless there are injuries, ensure all passengers are out of the vehicle and taken to a safe place
• Exchange information and take pictures of damages and any injuries
Editor’s note: Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs contributed to this article