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Motor Madness “March”es In

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christian Michael
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In just five months, 166 vehicles were damaged through general mishaps, and that's just in the deployment off-season. With the arrival of vehicle safety month, remembering vehicle safety can go a long way to reducing mishaps ahead.

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing supervises and hosts a number of units from different states and nations, tenants foreign and domestic, and operates in partnership on a host-nation installation, all using a fleet of more than 2,000 leased vehicles. These numbers don't include contractor, host-nation or visitor vehicles, and traffic comes with vehicle incidents that cost the government money and threatens the safety of deployers, contractors and locals, alike.

"When driving on or off base, drivers need to keep in mind the driving habits of people here are different than stateside, especially off base," said Master Sgt. Richard Hamilton, superintendent, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance. "Drivers need to be extra aware of everything around them."

Of 166 total incidents between Oct. 1 and Feb. 28 involving vehicles leased to the wing in which the vehicle struck or was struck by an object or other vehicle, 37 occurred with the operator on scene.

"The most common kind of vehicle incident on base is drivers striking stationary objects," Hamilton said. "There are no specific groups involved. The incidents are coming from a number of different personnel and using organizations. This could be from not paying attention or simply not having a spotter."

Accidents are avoidable, but require Airmen to maintain an active situational awareness, think about where they want to go and stay focused on what they're doing.

"Sometimes, it doesn't matter how safely you drive. You could be driving the speed limit and obeying all traffic rules and someone else can crash into you," said Tech. Sgt. Rex Martin, noncommissioned officer in charge, 379th AEW Force Protection. "One good rule of thumb to use is, 'Assume everyone else on the road is an idiot.' In other words, be prepared for unpredictable lane changes, sudden stops, un-signaled turns, swerving, tailgating and every other bad driving behavior imaginable. Chances are, you'll eventually encounter someone like this - and it pays to be ready when you do."

Here are a few safety tips from the 379th AEW force protection office for drivers:
  1. Never drive drunk - The penalties for intoxicated driving in Southwest Asia are severe, and members are subject to local laws on and off base, so ask a sober friend for a ride or use the bus. There is zero tolerance for intoxicated driving, here.
  2. Don't speed - Take your time and obey posted speed limits - maximum speed for military personnel off base is 100 kph or posted speed, whichever is lower. Drivers who need to get somewhere earlier should leave earlier.
  3. Avoid distractions - While using a cell phone is already prohibited for service members, distractions can also include eating, playing with the radio and interacting with passengers. Keep your eyes on the road.
  4. Don't drive drowsy - Being a little drowsy is enough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. At highway speeds, one or two seconds of inattention can lead to disaster. Ask a friend to drive for you, or if you have no option, take a short nap in a safe place.
  5. Wear your seat belt - Seat belts save lives and are mandatory for military personnel. Worn properly, they prevent passengers from being thrown against each other or out the windshield. Always wear your seatbelt.
  6. Take care in poor weather - Select the driver experienced in that particular weather to drive. Pull over if conditions worsen, and turn off vehicle lights, as motorists in poor weather most often look for lights to follow and might run right into you.
  7. Don't Follow Too Closely - Use the three-second rule by finding a stationary object on the side of the road: when the car ahead of you passes it, at least three seconds should pass you do. At night or in inclement weather, double the time to six seconds.
  8. Practice defensive driving - Always assume the drivers around you cannot see you and will do what you want them most to avoid, be it turning in front of you, stopping unexpectedly or speeding up on you from behind. Expect the unexpected.
  9. Roundabouts - A major road feature in Southwest Asia, roundabouts are often used by people who don't know or care about to use them. Slow down before entering a roundabout about 40 kph. Know what direction you want to exit prior to entering the roundabout, and don't change lanes once you have entered it. Yield to cars already in the roundabout, watch for trucks - who always drive in the outside roundabout lane and may not turn at your road. Finally, do not turn left from middle or right lanes, and take caution when roundabout lanes merge.