Cross Walk Signs

  • Published
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. Below, he responds to a corcern in regard to cross walk signs near the Air Force Financial Services Agency. 

QUESTION
Sir, is there any possibility of changing the signs at the cross-walks on Doolittle Drive, south of the AFFSC (Bldg 4040) to include instructions for motorists to stop for pedestrians in the cross-walks? The current signs only alert motorists that there are cross-walks, but do not mandate stopping for people in the cross-walk. Although there is a requirement on EAFB to stop for pedestrians in the cross-walk, we have already had at least one pedestrian/motorist accident and many near misses. Changing the current signs would be a low cost method of improving motorist awareness and pedestrian safety. Thank you for your consideration.
Col. Mark Weatherington
Col. Mark
Weatherington		 RESPONSE
Thank you for your concern. I have noticed the heavy pedestrian traffic in this area and want to ensure the safety of our Airmen as well. We will temporarily add a small sign stating: "Stop for Pedestrians"; however, we will eventually remove the sign as it does not comply with Department of Transportation standards. I directed the Security Forces Squadron to add this concern to our newcomers information, Right Start and First Term Airman briefings, and contractor instructions. Security Forces will also increase patrols and enforcement in this area during high pedestrian periods. Even with these changes, pedestrians must use caution whenever entering any roadway.