Statistics don't lie: don't become one

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Thomas Trower
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  A string of foggy, icy and downright nasty weather has struck the area here recently, causing a number of close calls to endanger the lives of Airmen driving and walking the streets on base and off in the local area.

To combat those dangers, Airmen should observe the road conditions established by the 100th Mission Support Group deputy commander and use save driving practices whenever on the road.

According to the United Kindom's Office for National Statistics most recent studies at www.ons.gov.uk, there were 10,947 accidents in eastern Great Britain. Of those, about 52 percent were not on major roads.

Master Sgt. Bill Rathbun, 100th Air Refueling Wing ground safety manager, said the No. 1 killer of Airmen on the roads here is excessive speed, with driver distractions coming in at a close second.

"Driving is most dangerous to newcomers," Sergeant Rathbun said. Airmen who have been on station six months are also in danger of becoming complacement.

Many of the roads around RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath, are considered urban or rural "A roads." These roads account for 89 percent of all accidents in the region, according to the ONS.

During routine security patrols across the base, security forces Airmen monitor local driving conditions to help notify drivers of current hazards.

"When the patrols start to notice partial black ice on the roads, we request to elevate the road condition warnings," said Senior Airman Brockley Cassidy, 100th Security Forces Squadron law enforcement desk operator. "The [100th ARW] command post will notify the [100th] MSG deputy commander of the dangers and he determines whether we should stay in condition green, yellow or red."

Road condition Green has no indication of weather hazards, while Yellow warrants the use of caution enroute to the base. During road condition Red, the roadways can be extremely hazardous or impassable. These road conditions are broadcast on the base Web site www.mildenhall.af.mil and the base weather line at DSN 238-3541 or commercial 01638-543541.

Sergeant Rathbun also said it's vital during times of inclement weather when ice or snow can accumulate to ensure windshields are completely clear of foreign objects before driving. This protects not only the drivers themselves, but also pedestrians.

Pedestrians account for about 10 percent of the 29,158 road casualties in the ONS's latest survey.

"Always wear bright clothing or reflective material such as a belt or vest at night when walking in any traffic areas," Sergeant Rathbun said.

When Airmen are in uniform, reflective belts are not only strongly suggested, they are required. Air Force Instruction 91-207, U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Supplement, states reflective clothing must be worn in by anyone in uniform during periods of reduced visibility.

For more information, contact the 100th ARW Safety Office at DSN 238-4717.

Editor's note: Staff Sgt. Austin May contributed to this article.