Slow down, drive safely

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Base motorists are reminded to reduce their speed according to the limits posted in the construction zones at the West Gate.

"There have been anywhere from three to five citations issued in one day for this area as people fail to slow down especially during times when traffic is light," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Johnson, 95th Security Forces Squadron. "There have been approximately 12 to 15 citations given in one week. Fortunately, we have had only one three-car accident prior to the actual start of the construction when they first began the lane configuration."

Not adhering to these speed limits can prove to be dangerous for both construction workers and drivers.

After a number of walk-in, e-mail, and telephone complaints concerning unsafe driving practices from other motorists, members from the security forces, safety and civil engineer organizations visited the site to readjust the distance of the speed limit signs to give drivers more time to gradually slow down before reaching the construction area.

"It's very important that they obey the speed limits we've determined are the safest speeds to travel within that area," said Leroy Wrighten from the 95th Air Base Wing Safety office.

Exiting the base, the speed limit nearing the construction zone drops from 55 mph to 35 mph. The speed limit within the construction area is 25 mph. Past the last cone of the construction zone, the speed limit jumps to 60 mph.

Entering the base, speeds go from 60 mph to 35 mph near the construction zone, and 25 mph in the construction zone. The speed limit past the construction zone is 55 mph.

It's important for drivers to remember that it's not when they see the speed limit sign, but rather when they're actually crossing the sign which enters the zone should they speed up or slow down to the appropriate speed level.

"When slowing down, the speed should be the zone requirement, which starts at the speed limit sign," Sergeant Johnson said. "Increase speed when you enter the zone, which is after you pass the sign."

If drivers don't abide by speed limits, reactionary times decrease, and we have pending accidents within the construction area, said Sergeant Johnson. Also, the weight of a vehicle rises off of its tires as people drive at higher speeds on bumpy roads. This provides less traction; the vehicle may become uncontrollable; the turning motion on the winding road can easily put them into a skid; and it can create an accident. An accident could also be caused by speeding vehicles hitting the two- to three-foot drop-offs in the area.

"All security forces patrolmen have been informed to do maximum enforcement in these areas," Sergeant Johnson said.

If drivers are caught speeding on base, tickets can range between $191 to approximately $500. Anyone caught doing more than 26mph over the speed limit will receive an automatic revocation of driving privileges for up to one year. Military members who violate Air Force Instruction 31-204, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, will be fined and reported to their first sergeants or commander within 24 hours of the violation or the next duty day. Civilians caught speeding will be fined in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.

Construction at the West Gate is being done as part of anti-terrorism measures required to be put into place Air Force wide. The construction began in April and is expected to be completed in October.