Spring time sprouts new safety concerns

Published March 7, 2011
7th Bomb Wing Safety Office

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As the weather gets warmer, seasonal safety issues also change.

Children at Dyess base housing will be more likely to be playing outside and commuting to and from school. In turn, vehicle traffic in these areas should be more cautious and aware of children in crosswalks and streets.

"Parents have voiced grievances about speeding and inattentive drivers causing several close calls at crosswalks," said Lt. Col. Jeff Engelker, 7th Bomb Wing chief of safety. "The welfare of our children is paramount and it is the responsibility of everyone on the road to obey the speed limit and honor the crosswalk."

Drivers should take time to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and obey speed limits to ensure neighborhood safety.

"Our security forces do a great job and are vigilant in enforcing the traffic laws, but cannot monitor everything," Colonel Engelker said. "How we handle ourselves when authorities are not looking shows our true character."

Drivers should be extra cautious from 7-8 a.m. and 2:45-3:45 p.m., the most active time when children commute to and from school.

To report unsafe activities or accidents, call the law enforcement desk at (325) 696-2131.