Roadway regulations help keep Airmen safe

  • Published
  • By Airman Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  In an effort to increase motorist and pedestrian safety on base, the 23rd Wing Safety office would like to remind Moody personnel of the roadway regulations that are in effect throughout the base.

When the base population increased due to the Base Realignment and Closure move and additional personnel along with their family members moved to Moody from Pope Air Force, N.C., more crosswalks were built to allow for more options for safe roadway crossing.

"There has been an increase in complaints since the increase of Airmen being stationed here since the BRAC move," said Mr. Joseph Bell, 23rd WG safety manager. "We haven't had any accidents yet, but there have been some near-misses with vehicles and people not being aware enough of their surroundings.

"If pedestrians know the proper places for crossing and where they are allowed to run on designated roads, there will be fewer incidents," he added. "We also hope that commanders and first sergeants will emphasize the importance of this safety practice and further disseminate the information so their personnel can remain safe."

Personnel participating in physical training are common at Moody and their presence requires that extra precautions should be taken when being approached by a motorist.

"Any formations running for PT have the right of way, with the exception of emergency vehicles," said Mr. Bell. "Vehicles may pass the formation at 10 m.p.h. and only when signaled by the road guards."

In addition to motorists passing safely, pedestrians should practice safe roadway crossing.

All individual runners are only authorized the use of headphones while using designated trails, tracks and paths. Runners should also remain aware of their surroundings, especially in areas of heavy traffic flow.

"Many individuals are concerned about vehicles speeding past runners in designated areas," said Mr. Bell. "Authorized roads for running are the following, which run adjacent to base running trails: Stone Road, Burma Road (at the intersection of Stone Road), Perimeter Road, North Perimeter Road and Sijan Road.

"Vehicles need to slow down and pedestrians need to remember to keep practicing safe road crossing," he added. "They should not suddenly leave the curb and cross into the path of the vehicle; vehicles are required to yield to pedestrians waiting to cross at marked cross walks."

For more information, call the 23rd WG Safety office at (229) 257-3082.

"It is important that everyone adhere to these regulations and be aware of their surroundings," said Mr. Bell. "By making a conscious effort of being patient, courteous and respectful in where you walk or run and also in how you drive, Moody can become a safer place for everyone."