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'Drive Smart' checklist


1. IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS 
Weather  
Rain, fog, ice/snow and winds 
Roads 
Narrow,winding, obstacles on or near the road itself  and speed limits 
Human Factors 
Perception - what is seen
Attention Management - complacency, distracters, channelized fixation 
Fatigue and  alcohol use 

2. ASSESS THE HAZARD 
     
Damage to your vehicle, another vehicle, or personal property, injuries to yourself or others and death to yourself or others

3. DEVELOP CONTROLS & MAKE DECISIONS

Slow down and don't use posted speed limits as a goal
Use seatbelts, airbags, and child car safety seats
Expect the unexpected. 
   
Take the necessary vehicle precautions and use less risky driving procedures to ensure you and your passengers arrive at your destination unharmed. 

4. IMPLEMENT CONTROLS 

Utilize vehicle equipped safety options like lights, ABS brakes, airbags, horn, and of course, restraining devices 

5. SUPERVISE AND EVALUATE 
     
Think of what you did and the eventual outcome
What did you do wrong?
What did you do right?
Did you do something and narrowly have a mishap?
What could you have done better?
What will you do the next time
Do other drivers have the same experience with this situation that can give you advice?

Being Prepared


  • A snow brush with an ice scraper
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Flashlight with fresh batteries and spares
  • Extra batteries
  • Blankets for each person in the vehicle
  • Mittens or gloves, hats and socks
  • Extra-warm clothing
  • Small shovel
  • Sack of sand or kitty litter
  • Jumper cables
  • Hazard sign, flares or flag
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • High-calorie, non-perishable food
  • Matches, candles or solid fuels. It's a good idea to keep them in old coffee cans.
  • First aid kit
  • Facial or toilet tissue
  • Basic tool kit 

Driving in Fog


  • Allow more time for your trip
  • Check and clean your windshield, windows and lights before driving. Use your windshield wipers and defrosters at all times. Using your air conditioner in conjunction with your defrosters works best.
  • Use low-beams instead of high-beams. The high-beams will reflect more light, making it harder to see.
  • If you drive into a patch of fog, slow down gradually so the car behind you has time to slow too.
  • Stay patient. Do not pass.
  • Don't speed up to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you, and always resist the urge to overtake as you may find visibility ahead in much worse than you actually think.
  • Use the left side of the road for guidance.
  • If the fog gets too dense, pull off the road, leave your headlights on, start the flashers, turn on your interior lights, and sound your horn occasionally.
  • Remember that fog can drift rapidly and is often patchy. People often think that fog is clearing and suddenly find themselves back in thick fog.
  • If possible, find an off-street parking space for your car and never leave it on the "wrong" side of the road.
  • If your vehicle breaks down, get it off the road if you can. If you can't do this, make sure you turn the hazard warning lights on.

Winter Driving Safety


  • Beware of bridges, they freeze first. 
    Be aware of conditions and adjust to them.
  • Be careful on hills and grades.
  • Watch your following distance. Slick roads can increase distance it takes to brake safely. Try to triple your normal following distance; try for six seconds in between vehicles.
  • Drive at reduced speeds to ensure safe braking.
  • Signal your intention to turn sooner than normal.
  • Avoid quick acceleration- it could cause you to lose control.
  • Be aware of black ice. It is commonly found under bridges, overpasses and shaded areas.
  • Completely clear your windshield of all ice, snow and frost before driving. 

Dangers of Speeding

Although most people would have the same healthy fear of driving off a 50-foot cliff as they have of falling from a five-story building, most aren't afraid to drive 40 mph, and many overestimate their chances of surviving a crash at that speed.

A car travelling 40 mph would strike a tree, a wall or a bridge abutment with the same force as a car hitting the ground after falling off a 50-foot cliff. An unrestrained occupant within that car, moving at 40 mph, would strike the windshield or dashboard with the same force he or she would experience hitting the ground after a fall from a five-story building.

Safety Contacts

100 ARW
Local: 01638-54-2255
International: 011-44-1638-54-2255
DSN: 314-238-2255
Email: 100ARW.SEGV3@us.af.mil

352 SOW
Local: 01638-54-4413
International:011-44-1638-544413
DSN: 238-4413
Email: 352SOW.SEV3@us.af.mil

RAF Lakenheath
Local: 01638-52-5659
International: 011-44-1638-52-5659
DSN: 314-226-3737
Email: 48FW.SEF@us.af.mil

Motorcycle Safety:
226-RIDE

Driving in the UK


The highway code is available online to learn about road signs and UK-specific laws in preparation for the driving exam you will take soon after arrival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The appearance of external websites does not constitute endorsement by RAF Mildenhall, the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense of the external website or the information, products or services contained therein. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texting Prohibited

Passing & Overtaking

RAFM No Overtaking (No Passing) Policy

What is the policy?
•No overtaking (Passing within a 10 Mile Radius around RAF Lakenheath
•Any 2 lane undivided rural non- trunk road. (Single Carriageways)
•Exceptions:
•Dual Carriageways

 -OR-

•ALL 3 of the following factors are present:•The vehicle in front of you is travelling at less than 30 mph
•UK Traffic Laws allow passing on the stretch of road you are on
•It is safe to do so

Who does it apply to?
All USAFE Form 435, UK drivers License, holders as identified in MildI 31-218, Base Traffic Code

This includes all military, US civilians,  and all driving dependents assigned to RAF Mildenhall
If you observe violations of this policy, please contact the 100 ARW Safety office at 238-2255 or submit a “”Safety Spotter” report – Link

Violators will face appropriate action under Article 92 of the UCMJ