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380AEW Article

Vehicle accident equals mission compromise

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Getting into a vehicle accident is never fun, but in a deployed environment, it can create increased costs and cause a loss of hours for the Air Force as well as personal difficulties for the driver. 

Tech Sgt. Jeremy Ketchum, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing ground safety manager, says there are three tips that can prevent almost all vehicle accidents on base.
"The number one thing Airmen can do to prevent vehicle mishaps is attention management," he said. 

This means the driver should be aware of their surroundings, limit outside distractions such as conversations with passengers, sight-seeing, cell phones, and adjusting their radio, mirrors and seats. 

"The second one is to always use a spotter, and finally, don't be in such a hurry. Slow down and observe the posted speed limits," said Sergeant Ketchum. 

If an Airman is involved in an accident, there are some things he should know. 

"In most cases, the local police are called to come out to file a police report," said Master Sgt. Stephen Sparks, the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron superintendent. "The vehicle can't be repaired without one." 

Repairs downtown can take several weeks and while the vehicle is in the shop, the owning unit does not get a replacement. 

There are also additional costs for the driver associated with the police report for a minor accident. 

"If the driver is found at fault, they will have to pay the filing fee for the report," said Sergeant Ketchum. "The fee is (about $137 U.S.). The Air Force will not pay it." 

The time and monetary investment the Air Force makes in the case of a minor vehicle accident is increased significantly in the case of a major accident. 

If injuries are involved, the vehicle is unable to be moved or there is more than $10,000 worth of damage to the vehicle, it is classified a major accident and the amount of time involved exponentially increases, said Sergeant Sparks. 

A minor vehicle accident by the numbers:
Desk Sergeant: one to two hours
Patrol: one to two hours
Flight Chief: one to two hours
Interpreter: two to four hours
Operations superintendent or officer: varies by accident
Alert photographer: minimum of one hour
Reports and analysis clerk: one hour 

Total: Anywhere from seven to 12 hours. 

A major vehicle accident by the numbers:
Desk Sergeant: one to two hours
Patrol: minimum of four hours, possibly days or weeks depending on severity
Flight Chief: minimum of two hours
Interpreter minimum of four hours
Operation superintendent or officer: varies by incident
Alert photographer: minimum of two hours
Reports and analysis clerk: two hours 

Total: Anywhere from 16 hours to several days. 

Any Airman driving either on base or off base should be familiar with the 380th AEW supplement to Air Force Instruction 31-204: Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision. 

The AFI specifically states that an international driver's license will be carried by all personnel operating a vehicle and that all 380th AEW personnel who are required to drive must attend the traffic safety course offered by 380th AEW safety office at 9:30 a.m. every Thursday at the base theater. 

Also according to the AFI, a driver could have his or her driving privileges suspended for the duration of their tour with the 380th AEW if the accident is severe enough or the investigation warrants it. Seatbelt violations also will result in a seven day suspension of driving privileges for a first offense. 

In the event of an accident on base, neither driver should move the vehicle unless it poses a clear safety hazard, said Sergeant Sparks. 

However, when involved in an accident off base, the AFI states that drivers involved in minor accidents are required to move their vehicle from the road and park it to safeguard the flow of traffic and prevent further damage to the vehicles and prevent injury to the drivers. Anyone impeding the flow of traffic will be cited by the local police and fined. 

During the past six months, there have been 30 vehicle mishaps (approximately one per week). Every one of them could have been prevented by driver following proper procedures and paying attention, said Sergeant Ketchum. 

Vehicle mishaps compromise wing resources and prevent personnel from accomplishing the mission. Performing simple acts such as increasing situational awareness, using a spotter, and obeying posted speed limits can prevent accidents and potential loss of life.