For safety’s sake; use of headphones while running

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  As spring approaches and temperatures rise, more people will begin to exercise outdoors on base roadways and sidewalks. According to Air Force Instruction 91-207, the policy on use of headphones while exercising on a roadway is clear.

"Apart from hearing aids, the use of portable headphones, earphones, cellular phones, iPods or other listening devices while walking, jogging, running, bicycling, skating or skateboarding on roadways is prohibited for the sake of ensuring good situational awareness resulting in a lower possibility of a mishap."

In January, the Air Force released a Ground Safety Letter of Interpretation on the policy and the use of headphones on an Air Force installation that provides further guidance as it relates to exercising off a roadway.

"Personnel jogging or running on the sidewalks or areas along a roadway that were not specifically designed for vehicle travel or parking are not subject to this requirement. Along the same lines, specifically designed jogging trails, tracks and recreational areas are also not subject to this requirement."

However, the letter of interpretation continued that in the case of where a pedestrian needs to cross an active roadway, such as at an intersection, the listening device must be removed from both ears to have all senses alerted.

According to Shelly Kelley, from the 66th Air Base Group Safety Office, in the past, individuals have been struck by vehicles while crossing an intersection.

"It's important for your own safety, if an emergency vehicle is responding and you cross through an intersection with headphones, you will not sufficiently hear them approaching," said Kelley.

In addition to headphone use on base, Kelley points out that it's also important to run facing traffic when running on a roadway and beware of tripping hazards.

"Whether personnel are running on sidewalks or roadways, they need to be mindful of all hazards," said Kelley.

For more information on the use of headphones on base, contact the Safety Office at 781-225-5587.