Speeders could lead to 'gate-crashers' Published Oct. 9, 2008 By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Because of the increase in speeding incidents at the base gates, the 95th Security Forces Squadron recently stepped up efforts for citing people speeding in the area. The 95th SFS could cite motorists caught speeding with driving tickets, which would go on their state and on-base driving records. "We have patrolmen running the radar and LIDAR speed detector at the gates to let people know it is a safety hazard," said Staff Sgt. Melanie Slagle, 95th SFS police services noncommissioned officer in charge. "We don't want any accidents or mishaps. If caught speeding, motorists could lose their driving privileges for up to a year on base, depending on the violation." Sergeant Slagle said traffic activities around the gates are high, specifically at the West Gate. "We have the Century Circle display at the West Gate where people meet for tours," she said. "There are people turning in and out of that location. Large trucks also slow down to be searched at the gate. During peak hours, we have cars slowing down and coming into a complete stop." The sergeant attributes a lack of situational awareness as one of the reasons why people speed at the gate. "People fail to pay attention to speed limits," said Sergeant Slagle. "They also fail to realize those serpentine bollards are in place for a reason." Senior Airman Lloyd Long, 95th SFS desk sergeant, said some people drive to the gate carelessly and don't consider the safety of other people. "Often in the morning, when people come to the gate, they speed and hurry up to get to work," said Airman Long. "Some cars run up on the curve where we stand and would almost hit a couple of people." He said people need to slow down and obey the speed limit to avoid mishaps. "We have zero tolerance to people who speed," Sergeant Slagle said. "Speed limits are posted there for a reason. People need to obey the law."