14th SFS urges drivers to remember seat-belt use

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Pitman
  • 14th Security Forces Squadron
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  What gives people more reason to buckle up - the increased threat of a traffic ticket. Most people buckle up for safety, but for some people it is the threat of a fine or ticket that spurs them to put on a safety belt.

The patrolmen of the 14th Security Forces Squadron and Wing Safety not only issue tickets to unbelted motorists, but on behalf of the wing commander suspend installation driving privileges.

Per AFI 31-204/CAFBS1/Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, any person, operator or passenger found by Security Forces or Wing Safety personnel not wearing proper safety equipment will be subject to suspension. For a first offense, motorists will lose their driving privilege for 15 days; second offenses for 45 days, and third offenses for a period of 6 months. Motorists failing to restrain themselves and their passengers will be ticketed according to the installation rules and regulations of the road.

There were 100 traffic violators cited since September, of which, 30 motorists violated local and military law by not utilizing their seat belt.

Tickets and suspensions still not a good enough reason to buckle up? How about to save your life! Did you know one out of every five drivers will be involved in a traffic accident this year? Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among people age 44 and younger. In 2008, there were 297 vehicle accidents in Mississippi that caused death or incapacitating injuries. Of the 297 accidents, 213 people were killed and 210 of them were not wearing their seat belt.

So why do we violate military and state traffic laws? Is it comfort over safety? Does the seat belt strap bother you and you place it behind your back? While the lap belt might keep you from being thrown from your vehicle, a person that weighs 160 lbs, can strike another passenger or slam into the vehicle's interior with 4,800 lbs of force.

About 80 percent of the injuries sustained during traffic accidents are injuries to the head, causing brain damage, permanent disfigurement, epilepsy or death. Incorrectly wearing your safety belt on the base is the same violation as if you were not wearing it all--you will be ticketed. Don't be a statistic, wear your seat belt and wear it properly.