Vehicle accident reminds Airmen of driver vigilance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Two privately owned vehicles were involved in a two-car crash at approximately noon, May 27, at the intersection of Spaatz Drive and Ellsworth Street.

Two of the passengers within the vehicle that was struck were transported to Rapid City Regional hospital with minimal injuries.

Members of the 28th Security Forces responded to the accident and immediately shut down Ellsworth Street for 20 minutes, limiting travel on the street to two lanes for approximately one hour, said Staff Sgt. Dennis Rivers, 28 SFS investigator.

Based on the security forces' accident report, one vehicle heading northbound on Ellsworth Street 'T-boned' the second vehicle heading southbound on the same street when it attempted to make a left hand turn on to Spaatz Drive. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage.

In response to the accident, Sergeant Rivers reiterated a safety reminder for motor vehicle operators both on- and off-base especially while in the midst of the first few weeks of the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. 

The 28th Bomb Wing Ground Safety office also reiterated the importance of maintaining vigilance while driving, which includes using defensive driving, lowering stereo volumes and limiting cell phone use [which isn't permitted while driving on base], including texting, to avoid collisions, said Tech. Sgt. Mary G. Circe, NCO in charge of 28th Bomb Wing Ground Safety.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.