23rd Wing Safety office advises on traffic dangers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Due to the recent increase in traffic accidents that have occurred outside of Moody, the 23rd Wing Safety office would like to stress the importance of practicing safe driving techniques while traveling to and from base.

A major contributor to the increase is the shift from a light to a heavy traffic flow on Bemiss Road, the road that runs in front of Moody.

"Because it is the peak turnover season for permanent change of station moves, there is an influx of new drivers," said Bert Stamm, 23rd Wing Safety office chief of ground safety. "This introduces a group of drivers new to the area that may not be aware of the local traffic laws and who are not necessarily mindful of the speed limit on the road outside base."

In addition to an increase in base personnel, the housing gate near the Youth Center has recently been reopened after construction completion, and individuals are trying to utilize this area as a turnaround point.

"People are turning into this gate and then trying to do U-turns so they can cut across through to the south gate," said Mr. Stamm. "What this does is back up the traffic across Bemiss Road, which leaves no place for other traffic to go. The light turns green, but the other lanes of traffic are blocked from moving."

In response to the traffic increase outside of Moody, base officials have requested that law enforcement--the state police, the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and the Valdosta Police Department, increase their patrols near the base during the busiest traffic hours. Peak traffic hours are from 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. and 3 - 6 p.m.

Individuals should adhere to the following tips for safe travel:
-Pay attention to the task at hand, driving. Don't talk or text on your cell phone.
-Stay alert for pedestrians, such as joggers and children who are waiting for a school bus.
-Ensure that all individuals in the vehicle are wearing a seatbelt and that children are in a car seat, if required.
-Follow proper protocol when approaching a stopped school bus picking up children.
-Make sure your mirrors are adjusted before you begin driving.

Individuals are also reminded to allow for extra travel time when driving to base, especially on physical training days, due to congestion at the gates.