Hazards on the road surge as seasons change

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Air Base Group Safety Office here would like to remind personnel to keep risk management at the forefront of all activities as daylight diminishes and temperatures continue to drop.

Reduced visibility, falling leaves, frost on windshields and other factors this time of year are risks individuals should consider while driving.

“The fall season in New England is a beautiful time of year, but it’s not without its share of safety concerns,” said Galen Williams, director of base safety. “The safety office encourages all members of Team Hanscom to identify, assess and mitigate all risks while on- and off-duty.”

According to Master Sgt. Ryan Dillingham, 66 ABG safety NCO, one of the more dangerous hazards this time of year is driving while the sun is low in the sky.

“With less daylight, employees find themselves driving to work when the sun is rising and driving home when the sun is setting,” he said, noting the base has seen an increase in sun glare-related accidents on base recently. “The glare from the sun can make it nearly impossible to see the road or others in front of you.”

Officials offer these tips for motorists to follow when driving into the sun:

• Use the sun visor to block the sun.
• Increase distance between vehicles.
• Drive with headlights on to increase visibility for other drivers.
• Ensure windshields are clean and clear of debris.
• Use lane markings to follow traffic.
• Use polarized sunglasses to help reduce sun glare.

“The most important thing to do when sun glare is an issue is to slow down and use extra caution, especially while driving through areas with children playing, people walking or riding bicycles,” Dillingham said. “In addition, wildlife tends to be more active this time of year. Slow down when driving off base on curvy or narrow roads where visibility around corners is more difficult.”

Another concern with the reduced daylight is with pedestrians.

“Individuals jogging, running or walking on or off base when dark, or during inclement weather, are encouraged to wear reflective clothing and reflective accessories to be seen,” said Dillingham. “Pedestrians also have a responsibility to be familiar with their surroundings.”

He added that while distracted driving remains an area of concern for base safety officials, so is distracted walking.

“It’s important to pay attention to what is going on around us; walking while talking on the phone impairs our ability to do that,” he said. “Distracted driving, headlights from oncoming traffic, rush hour, impaired drivers and fatigue all contributes to making this time of year a potentially dangerous time on roadways.”

Officials remind personnel that daylight saving- time ends Nov. 6 at 2 a.m. Commuters should be aware of the changes they may have when returning to work Nov. 8.

“By keeping these important safety tips in mind, Airmen can be sure they protect themselves and their family from hazards this fall,” Williams said. “This will leave all of us free to enjoy the beauty of the season in New England.”

For more information on Hanscom's fall safety campaign, contact the Safety Office at 781-225-5584 or visit the Safety SharePoint site at https://cs3.eis.af.mil/sites/24169/default.aspx.