Drive for success on local roads Published May 1, 2014 By Gina Randall 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Driving is a large part of most people's lives. Many people spend a great deal of their day behind the wheel of a vehicle, either for work or leisure. The 100th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office works diligently to keep Team Mildenhall personnel and their families safe. One way the office keeps drivers safe is by facilitating a driving class at the weekly newcomers' briefings for all newly assigned members, Department of the Air Force and non-appropriated funds civilian personnel. The next class, "Course II, local conditions," is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. to noon May 1, 2014, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "Course II, local conditions, is geared toward personnel who already have a stateside driver's license and are allowed to drive in the U.K. according to the status of forces agreement after completion of this course and successfully passing a 50-question written test," said Master Sgt. Dominic Cilia, 100th ARW Safety Office superintendent from Brooklyn, N.Y. A certified instructor leads the training in a classroom setting. "Many of our Airmen and NCOs who reside off-base are still relatively inexperienced drivers, who fall into the 'at risk' demographic as defined by U.S. and U.K. guidance and statistics," Cilia said. The course provides essential information to newcomers to enhance their safety awareness of their new surroundings. The roads in the U.K. are different to the States, which can cause drivers problems. "Compared to the U.S., the local single carriageways are narrow, twisty, unlit and poorly maintained, but the small number of traffic mishaps is caused by individuals who do not follow the U.K. Highway Code, or simply break the law," Cilia said. The training aims to cover these problems, the solutions and more. The safety office discusses many areas during training and determines specific topics to enhance awareness of local laws and requirements related to traffic safety. For example, the RAF Mildenhall training specifically includes the U.K. Highway Code. The course also covers significant risk concerns and preventive measures for local weather, recreation, driving environment, and other frequent or severe injury-causing activities. With the unpredictable weather conditions, uneven roads and changing laws, it's important incoming service members and their families are aware of the rules to keep them safe. "RAF Mildenhall continues to boast one the best traffic safety programs in U.S. Air Forces in Europe, according to mishap statistics," said Tech. Sgt. Cody Hobart, 100th ARW Ground Safety manager from Davenport, Iowa. Editor's note: Information courtesy of Mildenhall Instruction 31-218 , Motor Vehicle/Traffic Supervision 2.1.1. Permanent party members of the US Armed Forces, civilian components, and their dependents must have a valid 3AF Form 435 to operate any vehicle in the United Kingdom. 2.1.2. Individuals must provide proof of the following to receive a 3AF Form 435. 2.1.2.1. Valid (or military clause) stateside or overseas European command driver's license, or valid civilian (host nation or international) driver's license issued in their name at the time the 3AF Form 435 is issued. 2.1.2.2. Permanent party members must attend Course II/Local Conditions course. 2.1.2.3. Members must successfully pass the associated test in order to obtain their 3AF Form 435 within 14 days of arrival at RAF Mildenhall.