Base emphasizes importance of driver safety

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
June is National Safety Month; the Electronic Systems Center Safety Office wants to remind the Hanscom community of the importance of safe driving and especially seatbelt usage. Chances of surviving motor vehicle accidents increase significantly simply by wearing a seatbelt, states the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov

"There's no doubt that seatbelts save lives, but too often this message gets forgotten when people get into their vehicles and drive off without buckling up," said Galen Williams, ESC Safety Office director. 

Every 12 minutes, someone dies in a motor vehicle accident. A crash occurs every five seconds, while crash-related injuries occur every 10 seconds, states the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Web site at www.osha.gov. Safety belts should be worn even for short drives and on roads with low speed limits. 

"Most people think that seatbelts don't save lives during low speed collisions. They are wrong," said Mike Trudeau, ESC Safety Office. "Studies show that being involved in a car wreck at 25 miles per hour, which is the highest speed limit on base, exerts the same force on the body as falling from the roof of a three-story building directly on your head. So not only is it the law, but it's just plain healthy to buckle up." 

Seatbelts are the best safety devices in automobiles to date, Mr. Williams said. "The old commercial ad, 'Seatbelts Save Lives,' is true. Wear it every time you get in a vehicle and give yourself a chance to live." 

All Hanscom motorists and passengers are required to wear the proper protective gear -- including safety belts -- violators on base will be subject to a fine and or disciplinary action.

Civilians cited for not wearing a safety belt are issued a Form 1805, United States District Court Violation Notice, and a $25 fine in addition to a $25 court fee. 

Military members are counseled by their supervisors and receive a Defense Department Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket. 

Both civilian and military members also get four points added to their base driving record. The accumulation of 12 points within a one-year period or 18 points within a 24-month period will result in suspension of base driving privileges.