Unsafe passing could cost more than driving priveleges

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  An increase in accidents and fatalities during recent years has led to two more roads in the local area being added to the local no-passing policy. 

"The roads have been added because of several recent accidents along these 'new' roads," said Lt. Col. Gary Slack, 100th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office chief. "In two cases, we had accidents where cars driven by members from RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath were driven off the road by people trying to pass. The roads are really too narrow, and have been identified as being too dangerous to be passing on." 

The policy itself was put in place in 2003, after the base suffered a number of fatalities along the A-1101. 

"Wing leadership is convinced that it has saved lives, and believes we would have had significantly more accidents if the no-passing policy was not in place," said Colonel Slack, adding that he advises people to slow down rather than risk an accident. 

"If you pass, you're not going get to your destination any quicker," he said. "When you're coming onto base, you've still got to go through the traffic lights and ID check point. It's simply not worth risking your life, or the lives of the people you're overtaking. If you feel like you're going to be late, call your office and let them know. And try leaving a little earlier next time." 

The no-passing policy applies to everyone assigned to the 100th ARW, partner units on RAF Mildenhall (and RAF Lakenheath and Feltwell), and their dependents who hold a U.S. Air Forces in Europe Form 374 Driving Permit. 

The only exception is for slow-moving vehicles. A slow-moving vehicle is defined as any vehicle traveling less than 30 mph. When passing slow-moving vehicles, drivers have the responsibility to do so, only where passing is safe and authorized by British traffic laws. 

"My wife and I have been assigned at RAF Mildenhall for more than two years," said Capt. Aaron Brooks, 100th ARW executive officer. "At first, getting used to the narrow, winding roads prevalent in the local area naturally made us more careful in our driving habits. 

"Because we all eventually get more used to the differing road conditions here in the United Kingdom, it's important for us to remember that most accidents occur amongst those who've been driving in the area for a while," he added. "The no-passing policy is meant to keep those of us in check, who think we've got the United Kingdom's roads figured out." 

If other base members see people passing on any of the roads, they can use the safety-spotter program, which can be found on both the RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath Intranet Web site. 

The report initially goes to the wing safety office, which checks the license plates with the 100th Security Forces Squadron. The information is then referred to the commander of the identified person for action. 

Any driver who violates the no-passing policy faces appropriate action under Mildenhall Instruction 31-204, Installation Traffic Code, Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or other lawful authority. This may include revocation of USAFE Form 374 driving privileges.