Roadway blitz, were you ready?

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Ferrara
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Security Forces Squadron conducted Operation Roadway Blitz June 7, the objective of which was to ensure all Dyess vehicle operators are in compliance with both state traffic laws and Air Force instructions for driving on the installation.

At 7 a.m., security forces personnel began directing traffic to one of three different locations where motorists were asked to produce a valid state driver's license, registration and emissions test as required by state and proof of auto insurance. During the two-and-a-half-hour long operation, more than 1,200 vehicles were processed, yielding 35 citations.

Of those citations, 27 were issued due to drivers' inability to provide proof of insurance. Four citations were the result of having no driver's license, three were written for missing inspection stickers or registration and one citation was issued for violating a Dyess traffic law that requires motorists to use a hands-free device to talk on their cell phones while driving.

Citations were documented using the Department of Defense Form 1408, the Armed Forces Traffic Ticket. This citation carries no monetary penalty, but can bear a suspension of on-base driving privileges ranging from 30 days to one year. Whether or not to suspend driving privileges is determined by the 7th Bomb Wing Mission Support Group commander.
 
Those who received a DD Form 1408 can rebut the citation by visiting the 7th SFS Reports and Administration section within five duty days of the issuance. In order to successfully refute the citation, the individual must provide documentation that corroborates their appeal.

"For example, if the individual was cited for not having insurance, he or she must simply provide evidence that they had valid insurance on the date the citation was issued. Once the documentation is validated by the 7th SFS/S5R office, the DD Form 1408 is thrown out," explained Maj. Patrick Bass, 7th Security Forces Squadron commander.

On June 3, a warning order was sent to all Dyess personnel notifying them that a roadway blitz would take place within 30 days, and listing the three items drivers must possess in order to operate a vehicle on Dyess AFB.

"Our goal was not to surprise anyone; as defenders, we're not out to get you. We want to make sure you're prepared and protected," Bass said. "Yes, we want to be certain folks are following the rules on base, but our primary concern is the safety of our Airmen and families both on and off the installation."

"These items are required here, but outside of the gates, as well," added Capt. Alicia Mason, 7th Security Forces operations officer. "We all have a responsibility to be good neighbors to the community, and that means keeping your documentation up to date. The roadway blitz serves as a reminder for people to stay on top of it; particularly auto insurance. If you get into a motor vehicle accident off base, someone is going to have to pay for it. If you don't have insurance, that could become a real problem."

For the first time during a roadway blitz, security forces personnel accepted electronic proof of insurance.

"Dyess traffic laws mirror state laws, and on May 24, 2013, Governor Rick Perry signed into law a bill allowing insurance documents to be shown to law enforcement officers by means of a wireless communication device," Bass said.

While electronic proof of insurance is now permitted, Dyess motorists are encouraged to maintain a paper copy in their vehicle.

"I highly recommend a paper copy. There are areas of the state with limited coverage where you could find yourself speaking to one of Texas' finest without the ability to prove you have insurance," said Lt. Col. James Ross, 7th Bomb Wing director of staff. "In addition, I'm asking you to have a paper copy to help our Defenders during vehicle checks. You can't have a cell phone in your hand while driving, which means you have to park your vehicle, log on to your phone and pull up the required data. This takes time."

In fact, during the roadway blitz, 7th SFS tracked the amount of time it took to process a vehicle when the driver was able to supply a paper copy of their insurance versus the processing time when drivers had to access their insurance electronically. Motorists with paper-copy insurance were checked out in about a minute, whereas those who showed theirs electronically spent five to ten minutes doing so.

"You may think it would only take an extra minute or so over showing paper, but when you add that minute to the time it takes for each vehicle to be checked, it significantly slows down the process. It means that you and I, and everyone else on base, will be slowed down, which means getting to work later and a loss of productivity. If not for yourself, please think about maintaining that paper copy as a consideration to the rest of Team Dyess," Ross said.

Those with questions regarding Dyess AFB or state traffic laws can contact the 7th Security Forces squadron at (325) 696-2892, or visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website.