Driving reminders, requirements on SJAFB

  • Published
  • By 4th Security Forces Squadron
  • 4th Security Forces Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Defenders from the 4th Security Forces Squadron Reports and Analysis office would like to remind members of Team Seymour of some key, but sometimes forgotten, rules of the road.

Cell phone use

- Cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle on the installation is prohibited unless using a hands-free device or the phone is in a hands-free mode. This does not mean having the phone on speaker and holding it in front of your mouth as opposed to having it held up to your ear.

- Driving and texting is also illegal on the installation.

- The first offense for a cell phone violation while operating a motor vehicle on base will result in the issuance of Air Force Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket.

- A second non-compliance of the cell phone policy within 12 consecutive months will result in a 30-day base driving suspension.

- A third noncompliance within 12 uninterrupted months will result in a 90-day base driving suspension.

Emergency vehicles

- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles exhibiting at least one red or blue light signal and sounding an audible siren, horn or bell.

- Drivers will yield the right-of-way by immediately driving to a position parallel to the right edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, then stop.

- Offenders will be given a citation that will add four points to their base driving record.

Documentation

It is required by AFI 31-218 2-1 and North Carolina General Statutes 20-313 and 20-57(c) for all personnel operating a motor vehicle to possess and produce the following documents upon request by law enforcement personnel:

- Proof of vehicle ownership and state registration

- A valid state driver's license

- A valid record of motor vehicle safety inspection as required by the state

- Proof of valid insurance that shows effective and expiration dates

Failure to carry and produce these documents will result in a "Fix-it" ticket, which allows two duty days to report to the 4th SFS Reports and Analysis office with the required documentation for the ticket to be voided. Failure to present the required credentials in the allotted time will add points to the offender's base driving record and may cause driving privileges to be suspended.

Motorcycle operation

All Service members who operate motorcycles at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will have their Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) card checked along with their Common Access Cards when entering the installation. If an MSF card is not provided, the operator will be issued a "Fix-it Ticket."

All riders will be inspected for required personal protective equipment (PPE) when attempting to enter the installation. If a rider is not wearing the necessary protection, they will be denied entry to base.

The following items are required PPE:

- A helmet certified to meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Standard 22.05, British Standard 6658 or Snell Standard M2005 shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin.

- Goggles, wrap around glasses, or a full-face shield, accurately attached to a helmet, designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard (ANSI) Z87.1, UNECE 22.05 or BS6658 for impact and shatter resistance shall be worn.

- A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection.

- Wearing a long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens are required.

- Gloves or mittens will be made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material and should be a sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip on motorcycle controls.

- A motorcycle jacket and pants constructed of leather, Kevlar or Cordura containing impact absorbing padding is strongly encouraged.

- Sturdy, over the ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable leather or ballistic-type cloth athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn). Sandals, low quarters, sneakers and similar footwear are not permitted.

- Motorcycle riders will wear upper garments that incorporate high visibility colors (e.g. fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red or fluorescent red, etc.) during the day and a retro-reflective upper garment during the night. The outer upper garment shall be visible and not covered.

-Wearing a backpack is authorized if it has highly visible colors, reflective properties or does not obscure the reflectivity of the rider's upper garment.
- Riders are encouraged to use other eye-catching methods such as headlights, brake and auxiliary running lights, reflective tape on the sides of the motorcycle and position lights.

Abiding by these regulations, outlined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 31-218 and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Instruction 31-218, will not only make Seymour Johnson Air Force Base a safer place, but could save drivers the inconvenience of being pulled over or losing driving privileges.

For more information about driving requirements, contact the 4th SFS Reports and Analysis office at (919) 722-0991 or (919) 722-2553.