Driving dangers just around the bend Published Sept. 17, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Get ready - the darkness is coming. It's not a tagline for an upcoming horror movie or advertisement for a British rock concert. It's the truth about winter in England. According to www.timeanddate.com, as early as Oct. 31 the sun will begin to set around 4:30 p.m., just in time for the evening rush hour. Roads in England don't have the same lighting as those in the U.S., especially in the area around RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell. For anyone new to England still getting used to the roads, limited visibility only serves as one more detractor of safe driving. Coupled with occasional black ice and heavy fog, something as simple as a daily commute can become a truly dangerous undertaking. Master Sgt. Bill Rathbun, 100th Air Refueling Wing ground safety manager, said motorists would benefit from having an emergency survival kit in their vehicle at all times. In times of inclement weather, ice or snow can accumulate on windshields, blocking a driver's view of the road. Sergeant Rathbun said it's vital to ensure your windshield is completely clear of foreign objects before driving. Also, slow down. The sergeant 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. Things like new road signs, driving on the opposite side of the road and car and the stresses of a PCS can make it harder to get used to driving here. Sergeant Rathbun said another dangerous point for drivers is around the sixth month of their tour here, but varies for individual drivers. "That's when they feel it's OK to add something to their plate such as changing the radio stations or texting while driving, which are driver distractions that lead to mishaps," he said. Taylor Kunkle, 100th ARW arms control treaty compliance officer, has been driving in England for more than a decade. When he arrived here in 1996, the wing's focus on safe driving was nowhere near as thorough as it is today, he said. "There is a lot more preparation now," he said. "Programs like Accidon't, the Safety Spotter program and the no-passing policy are all in place to raise general awareness of the hazards of driving here." Mr. Kunkle echoed Sergeant Rathbun's assertion that drivers are at risk a few months after they start driving in England. "That's when you drop your guard initially, but you're still not good enough to react quickly to a dangerous situation." Mr. Kunkle said Americans shouldn't attempt to keep up with locals on the road, and should stick to the safe driving habits they developed in the U.S. "There's really no need to change your driving style," he said. "It's just not worth it to put yourself at risk to drive fast." Drivers aren't the only ones in danger on the roads here. Pedestrians should remember if a driver can't see them, they can't avoid hitting them. "Always wear bright clothing or reflective material such as a belt or vest at night when walking in any traffic areas," Sergeant Rathbun said. Reflective belt wear isn't just a good idea - it's a rule. 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. Pedestrians in civilian clothes, while not required, are highly encouraged to wear light-colored or reflective clothing. Drivers can make themselves safer by being aware of current road conditions before setting out. They can check these at http://www.mildenhall.af.mil, and a detailed description of each condition can be found at http://www.mildenhall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123119478. For more information, contact the 100th ARW Safety Office at DSN 238-4717. Editor's note: The appearance of external hyperlinks in this article does not imply Federal endorsement.