Think before passing, overtaking
RAF MILDENHALL, England - -- An individual's eyes are closed for approximately 300 feet while sneezing at 70 miles per hour. With constant dangers people face on the road, 300 feet could mean life or death.
When an involuntary action such as sneezing while driving could prove deadly, it pays to be more aware of other potential dangers when driving. Those dangers increase even more when overtaking/passing other vehicles.
According to the United Kingdom Department for Transport, there were approximately 9,000 accidents in the U.K. involving overtaking in 2013. Even though it can be a legal driving maneuver, it isn't always the best decision a person should make.
"The best thing people can do when overtaking is to avoid dangerous habits," said Staff Sgt. Jose Martinez, 100th Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician from San Francisco. "(Avoid) being an aggressive driver, not using signal lights, failing to check mirrors or blind spots and traveling in a lorry's blind spot."
However, even when drivers take all the necessary precautions, they are still at risk from uncontrollable variables.
The ground safety technician said drivers can't control the weather, ice on the road, wild life crossing, or other vehicles. Weather can be difficult to predict, especially in England. When encountering these situations, drivers should always avoid an accident, but do so safely.
He advised drivers to avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road way, especially during bad weather. If someone is unable to safely avoid collision with wildlife, it is recommended that drivers slow down and hit it head on.
In addition, RAF Mildenhall personnel should be aware of their surroundings and know the rules established by the base.
It's prohibited for all RAF Mildenhall personnel and their dependents to pass any vehicle moving at 30 mph or more while driving on the following roads:
- A1101, between Bury St. Edmunds and Littleport
- A1065, between Brandon and the Five-Ways roundabout
- B1112, between Methwold Hythe and Icklingham
- B1107, between Brandon and Thetford
- C602, also known as Eriswell Road, connecting A1101 and B1112
- Wangford Road, between A1065 and B1112
- Sedge Fen Road, connecting A1101 and B1112
When RAF Mildenhall personnel and their dependents pass slow-moving vehicles, drivers have the responsibility to do so only where passing is safe and authorized by U.K. traffic laws.
It's important to be aware that no matter how safe a driver may be, other drivers can still cause an accident. Be prepared for unpredictable lane changes, sudden stops, no signaled turns, serving, tailgating and other bad driving behavior.
For more information, call the 100th ARW Safety Office at DSN 238-2255 or commercial at 01638 542255.