SFS: Watch your driving habits--we are

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven D. Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Ellsworth's crime fighters have been "turned loose" by the wing commander to launch stringent enforcement measures in order to deter traffic violations and other unsafe practices, which could lead to injury or even death among Airmen and their families. 

"The other day I witnessed someone driving down our streets while talking on a cell phone," said Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "If you must use your phone on base, I need you to follow Department of Defense policy and Ellsworth's traffic laws outlined in this article." 

The DoD policy referred to by Colonel Vander Hamm went into effect July 2006, which banned all cell phone usage while driving on federal military installations; cell phones may only be used via a hands-free device. 

Those who disregard this policy will find it bears a steep price. 

According to the Ellsworth supplement to the DoD motor traffic policy, for the first offense, the offender will be assessed three traffic points and issued a driving suspension warning letter. A subsequent offense carries an additional three traffic points and a 30 day suspension of installation driving privileges. For the person who just plain doesn't get it and violates this directive a third time will face another three traffic points from their base driving record and a one-year revocation of installation driving privileges.

But, the Airmen wearing the distinctive blue beret and shield aren't focusing solely on cell phone use. The wing leadership has encouraged them to step up all elements of enforcement efforts so servicemembers and their families stay safe. 

"I have encouraged our law enforcement personnel to keep a sharp eye for traffic violators," said Colonel Vander Hamm. "The austere weather conditions in South Dakota coupled with bad driving habits can only equate to someone eventually getting hurt. I have asked our cops to increase their vigilance and they have my full support." 

In addition to citing motorists violating the cell phone policy, Ellsworth security forces will focus on other common infractions. 

Motorists running or rolling through stops signs is a key focus point for security forces in addition to cell phone usage, said Master Sgt. Steven Eiman, 28th Security Forces operations superintendent. 

Sergeant Eiman explained each traffic violation can result in a number of points assessed on an individual's base driving record and, unlike sports; a plethora of points in the traffic enforcement game isn't a game traffic offender's can win. 

"If someone has 12 points accumulated in a year they can lose their [on-base] driving privileges," he said. 

Ellsworth's top cop said his gun-toters will be out in force.

"The safety of Team Ellsworth is, and always will be, our number one priority," said Maj. Thomas Segars, 28th Security Forces squadron commander. "We recently began a safety campaign that focuses on vehicle operators talking on cell phones without using a hands-free device, as well as a campaign within the military family housing area targeting speeders." 

More information concerning the traffic enforcement code or questions regarding Ellsworth driving regulations can be directed to security forces operations at 385-6882.