Safe between the lines

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, more than 4,200 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 70,000 were injured in traffic crashes in 2010. While that statistic is staggering it only takes one to become personal and that is when it happens to you.

"I expect everyone to put safety first," said Col. John Rauch, 55th Wing commander. "It doesn't matter if you are driving or just crossing the street - make safety your first priority."

Safety measures have been popping up on Offutt in the form of pedestrian lights to not only alert drivers to the pedestrian but to also remind pedestrians that the crosswalk was created for them to safely cross the road. Drivers might not expect a person to just run out in the middle of a street where there isn't a crosswalk.

One such light is on SAC Boulevard by base operations, another is located on Looking Glass Avenue between the Offutt Field House and U.S. Strategic Command. Another is located between the Patriot Club and STRATCOM.

"When traveling on Looking Glass Avenue from Bennie Davis heading west up the hill there is a blind spot that pedestrians and drivers need to be aware of," said Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Gaffney, 55th Wing Safety Office. "During hours of darkness and during sunset when the sun hits the road just right, a driver can't see anything (especially a person) when coming up that hill."

Although the Pedestrian and vehicle incidents have been low for Offutt, it only takes one to ruin lives.

Another temptation while driving is the cellular phone. Remember, DoD instruction 6055.04 and Offutt policy states that only hands free devices can be used while driving. Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal in the state of Nebraska and on base. As a matter of fact, drivers under the age of 18 with a learner's permit or an intermediate license in Nebraska - are prohibited from using cell phones (handheld or hands-free) while driving.

"The bottom line is that even one incident is too many," Rauch said. "Why take the chance with your future and your life by not following a few safety tips."