Security Forces offers tips to avoid traffic citations Published Feb. 27, 2008 By Monte Miller 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- In recent weeks, the number of traffic violations on base has increased. Scott Security Forces Commander Maj. Robert Rossi hopes the public can work with his department to lower those numbers. "Some folks are not aware, or just not following the rules. We hope to discourage that," Rossi said. "In addition to state, local and DoD regulations, there are also many that are base specific." In just a two month period, the number of traffic tickets issued by Security Forces doubled from 38 in December to 77 in January. There have been 47 traffic tickets issued for Febraury, which is equal to the number issued in November. The majority of these tickets were given to outbound drivers in the 20 mph zones at the Belleville and Shiloh gates. Major Rossi gave several suggestions to base drivers that will help them avoid receiving a ticket for violating base driving regulations. "We are not out to get you, but we will go after you if we see you breaking the law. We are asking for your support in this," Major Rossi said. "Between our limited resources and the number of people on base, it makes it harder to protect the public and make the roads safe for all that are using them." First and foremost, wear seatbelts and obey posted speed limits. Seatbelts are required for all passengers, front and back. Especially in government operated vehicles. A major violation Security Forces is specifically looking for are driver distractions. "Col. Hunt and Col. Spacy are both big supporters of this one," Rossi said. "There are so many distractions to drivers including radios, other people in the car and cell phones. If drivers are doing it, they may get away with it for a while, but we are asking for your support." Base regulations prohibit talking on cell phones while driving, unless you have a hands free or blue tooth device. If you must take or make a call, pull off of the roadway into a parking lot or other safe place, not at a traffic light. Check your vehicle equipment and make sure it is functioning properly before driving on or off base. This includes checking all lights, engine fluids and tires. The inclimate weather in recent weeks has compounded the normal violations that Security Forces deals with each day. "We see it a lot during bad weather, it takes a longer distance to stop," Major Rossi said. "Take your time. Also, clean your windows of ice and snow completely. Don't try to drive through a little 'submarine' hole in the windshield. It's not good for anybody and you can receive a ticket for it." Major Rossi added that when the base commander announces early dismissal or base closure, not to go out unless it is absolutely necessary. This increases your chance of being involved in an accident, slows response of emergency vehicles and inhibits the work of plows trying to clear snow and ice form roadways. "We're not saying that if you need to go to the commissary to get food to feed your family you can't," he said. "We're just asking that you should try to plan ahead and stay off the roads. It's just something else you can do to help us." Although Security Forces will be vigilant at all times, Rossi said the major times they will be looking for violations and issuing citations will be during the morning and afternoon commutes on and off base. "Be mindful during these times. Between 3 and 6 p.m. there is a mass exodus off of base," Rossi said. "People tend to follow routine activities while in the car like speeding and making calls. Slow down and give yourself extra time. Pay attention and stay alert. We need you to be smart and work together."