Cops on lookout for traffic violations

Published Aug. 31, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Cops are everywhere, and they're watching.

That's the message the 434th Security Forces Squadron wants to get out to Grissom drivers.

A new local Air Force instruction was recently released, which has Grissom's cops looking out for violations of both Department of Defense regulations and Indiana traffic code, said Staff Sgt. Timothy Potts, 434th SFS security response team leader.

The biggest change Airmen will see is not a change in the rules, but a change in the focus on enforcing those rules.

"We always could enforce Indiana traffic code, but this new AFI establishes the procedures on how to do that on this installation," said Tech. Sgt. Tony Ayres, 434th SFS security response team leader.

"We have a renewed focus, and we're out there looking now," elaborated Potts.

According to DOD and Indiana regulations, a driver must carry with them proof of insurance and a valid driver's license at all times. A vehicle must also be in proper working condition as well.

"You have to have all your lights working, a functioning exhaust and can't have any damage to it that would cause someone to be hurt," explained Potts.

Those ticketed for violating the rules receive points based on the offense. Depending on the offense or number of points, a driver may have his on-base driving privileges suspended.

"For instance cell-phone use, the first violation is four points, but a second violation within 12 months is a 30-day suspension," said Potts. "The same penalties apply for driving without a seatbelt."

The 434th SFS members said that cell phone violations are one of the biggest problems they see on Grissom.

"Using a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving on base is illegal," Potts reiterated. "And, it has to be a true hands-free device.

"It has to be completely wireless, so having an ear bud in does not count," he added. "Speakerphones do not count as hands-free either."

Another prohibited piece of technology is radar detectors.

Even though they may be allowed under Indiana law, they are not allowed under DOD regulations, so they can't be on Grissom, said Ayres, who added that expired plates and drivers licenses are another issue that can get a driver in hot water with Grissom law enforcement.

Perhaps the most obvious offense would be speeding. The 434th SFS Airmen said they are on the lookout for that, too.

"The maximum speed limit on base is on Hoosier, which is 30 mph," said Potts. "Every other road on base is 20 mph or less."

And, even if a vehicle is parked, there are still certain issues of which drivers need to be aware.

Children 10 years old and younger, along with animals cannot be left unattended in a vehicle, Potts explained.

"You're also not allowed to perform any major maintenance on your vehicle on base, so no changing your oil on base," he added. "You can fill up air in your tire or change it, but you can't put your car on jacks or do any sort of fluid changes."

It's not just four-wheeled vehicles that the cops are focusing on either.

"Motorcycles are a big issue because we constantly have people coming up to the main gate who aren't in regulation to ride a motorcycle on base," said Potts. "Cycle operators and passengers must use a helmet that is (Department of Transportation) approved; wear over-the-ankle, hard-sole boots; shatter-resistant eye protection; and a highly visible reflective material that covers at a minimum 30 square inches.

"If you have two passengers, the motorcycle must be designed for two passengers," he continued.

Keeping with that two-wheeled theme, the security forces Airmen said they are also looking out for bicycle violations as well.

"Bicycles are not allowed to use the sidewalks on base," Potts explained. "They also have to have reflectors, a light on at night, and riders must wear a helmet and use proper signaling techniques."

Everyone just needs to be aware that we are watching, Ayres concluded.

The 434th SFS is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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Cops on lookout for traffic violations

Public Affairs Staff