An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

100-percent compliance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brian Butkus
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Scott Air Force Base, Ill. --  100 percent compliance, that's the safety goal of Joint Total Force Scott. 100 percent seat belt and child safety seat compliance and 100 percent personal protective equipment compliance for motorcycle and bicycle riders. 

The Safety Office is partnering with the 375th Security Forces Squadron to ensure that these and other key safety issues are addressed and enforced. 

Motorcycle Safety 

"Throughout the year we do numerous spot checks to ensure motorcycle safety regulations are followed on base," said Marilee Reuter, 375th AW ground safety manager. "During these checks we have noticed numerous Joint Total Force Scott members not following proper safety procedures while operating their motorcycle." 

The proper guidelines for operating a motorcycle are as follows: 

- Brightly colored outer garment (must be reflective at night)
- Long sleeves
- Long pants
- Sturdy footwear
- Full fingered gloves
- DOT approved helmet with face shield or impact resistant glasses 

"Another problem we have seen involving motorcycles is the wear of illegal helmets," said Mrs. Reuter. "The wear of non-Department of Transportation approved helmets, such as novelty helmets are prohibited for wear by all riders on base. In addition, military members are also prohibited from wearing them off-base." 

In conjunction with motorcycle safety, bicycle safety is another area of concern.
"Those riding bicycles must wear a properly fastened helmet at all times," said Mrs. Reuter. 

Seatbelt Wear 

"Another thing we look for during our spot checks is seatbelt wear," said Mrs. Reuter. "Not only is seatbelt wear a state law, it's an Air Force and DoD requirement," she said.
 
To improve seatbelt compliance, the Safety Office and the 375th SFS will be instituting a Click it or Ticket Campaign on Scott. 

Cell Phone Use 

If Joint Total Force Scott members want to use cell phones while driving, they must use a hands free device. Added emphasis will be placed on this requirement during the Click it or Ticket Campaign. 

Jogging/Running 

With continued emphasis on physical fitness, many have taken up running as a means to increase fitness. 

According to AFI 91-207, "If feasible, separate pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic and provide adequate sidewalks, jogging and skating routes, pedestrian crossings and bicycle paths. Individuals are not authorized to jog, run, skate, skateboard or walk on roadways during high traffic density and peak traffic periods." 

In accordance with this AFI, Col. Al Hunt, 375th AW commander, has issued a policy letter specifically addressing this issue. He has directed that Scott Drive and West Winters Street from Scott Drive to Ward Street is a NO JOGGING/RUNNING area unless pre-approved for large formation special events. 

In addition to this directive, a reminder has been issued that according to DoD policy, the use of headphones is prohibited while running on the road. 

As these safety issues are addressed a 100 percent compliance is met the Safety Office would has issued words of advice to Joint Total Scott personnel. 

In parting, Mrs. Reuter offered the following advice to all Joint Total Force Scott personnel, "We need to take care of each other. If you see someone not following proper safety procedures, let them know. We all need to be willing to educate and correct those who are wrong; after all we are all wingmen."