Laughlin seeks to reduce roadway mishaps

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Daniel Brand
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's Safety Office released a publication providing new rules for jogging and running on base, designed to reduce safety-related mishaps for Laughlin's Airmen and their families.

The publication warns Team XL to be aware of decreased visibility in the coming fall and winter months because "the seasons are changing and it is staying darker later in the mornings and getting darker earlier in the evenings."

According to Mr. Paul Blair, 47th Flying Training Wing ground safety manager, low-visibility conditions have threatened joggers and runners on the base before.

"We have not had any reportable incidents from jogging or running," said Blair, "but we have had several near misses."

Those near misses highlight the importance of following safety regulations on roadways, whether for the purpose of driving, running, or bicycling.

"The roads do not belong to any one group, the jogger or the motorist. Both can use the same roads, if we drive, jog, or run defensively," says the Laughlin safety publication.

In order to maximize visibility, the publication points to Air Force Instruction 91-207, which mandates that airmen planning to jog or run during periods of low visibility ensure that they are wearing the appropriate reflective gear. A Laughlin supplement to AFI 31-204 also mandates that where sidewalks are not provided, pedestrians will only walk on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction.

During peak traffic periods, however, many of these activities are not permitted at all on Laughlin roadways. According to the publication, individuals are not allowed to skate, skateboard, jog, run or walk on roadways during peak traffic periods. These peak periods are between the hours of 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Laughlin Drive, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Liberty Drive, and 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Barnes Avenue.

This year, the Air Force Safety Center also released a letter which prohibited the use of listening and entertainment devices, including single ear pieces and external speakers, when on a roadway. Pedestrians may still wear listening devices on athletic field tracks, beach areas, sidewalks, and approved jogging or walking trails. The intent of the requirement is simply to prevent pedestrian-vehicle mishaps on roadways.

AFSEC officials said they understand removing earphones while crossing roadways multiple times can be inconvenient and suggest, in this case, to find a more appropriate place to exercise where this hazard is not present.

"If people must listen to music," said Blair, "then I suggest they use the base's walking and running tracks versus the roadway."