TOP STORY >>Snapshot from the school zone

By Tech. Sgt. Sean McCormick

On the morning of Sept. 27, I went to Arnold Elementary, during the posted school zone time of 7:30 to 8 a.m., to conduct a “Traffic Safety Survey.”  

I was focusing on whether or not drivers were adhering to the seatbelt and cell phone policies.

What I saw was almost identical to a similar survey conducted a week prior in the same school zone.

I witnessed 10 drivers execute illegal turns with complete disregard for the “No Left Turn” sign.

In addition, there were nine drivers talking on their cell phones in direct violation of DOD and base policies.

Finally, there were 16 drivers that were not wearing their seatbelts, which is required in accordance with Air Force, DOD guidance and Arkansas state law.

Did you know that seatbelts can reduce the chances of death or serious injury from an accident by 85 percent?

Wearing a seatbelt is a lifesaving habit that we all need to exercise. Additional distractions, such as talking on a cell phone without a hands free device, are the last thing you need when driving through a school zone.

You need your full attention on the children in the area, drivers potentially stopping suddenly or even drivers making illegal turns in front of you.  

Do the right thing and the safe thing, if you are not using a hands free device put the phone down.

Given these infractions and the unpredictability of kids, we have created a recipe for disaster!  

Bottom line is we need to put the cell phones down, use our seatbelts, obey traffic signs and make sure we are driving safely.
We all play a part in protecting ourselves, our kids and our fellow Airmen!