SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.- --
The 50th Space Wing Safety office spent a week engaging with Schriever Airmen and highlighting traffic safety awareness during traffic safety week April 25-28.
Safety personnel conducted seatbelt checks, car seat inspections and a mentorship ride in order to make the base more aware of practicing safe driving.
“We went around the base to make sure our community was practicing safe driving methods,” said Staff Sgt. Morris Thomas, 50th Space Wing Safety office occupational safety manager. “We observed a good safety culture; those who were in violation were compliant. We had a good sense of understanding throughout the base.”
At the beginning and end of the week, Thomas and Schriever Fire Department personnel conducted car seat checks at the Child Development Center, making sure children’s car seats were within regulations.
Matthew Rosenbaum, Schriever Fire Department fire inspector, who conducted the checks said he noticed some issues, such as over-restraining car seats with a seatbelt; however, he saw improvement from last year.
“Most folks had car seats installed properly and were fairly well educated,” he said. “Making sure kids are safe is always a top priority.”
Mid-week, Thomas and first sergeants gathered at the front gates to make sure drivers were wearing seatbelts and to give in-person advice to Schriever Airmen.
“Personnel set up in high traffic areas on base, such as Falcon Parkway, and double checked drivers were wearing seatbelts and not engaging in distracted driving,” said Thomas. “Out of around a thousand vehicles, we only noticed about four or five people, so I believe people are getting the message.”
Schriever motorcyclists gathered for a mentorship ride to Canon City, Colorado, Friday morning with instructors imparting knowledge through lessons taught before the journey.
The group lessons covered proper techniques for merging onto a lane, what to do around large vehicles such as semi-trucks, hand signals and how to ride in a group formation.
“A misconception a lot of motorcyclists have is that they are invincible on the road,” said Staff Sgt. Rolando Marroquin, mentorship ride instructor. “We make sure our riders are prepared before they go out on the road; teaching them safe practices and applying safe riding measures.”
Thomas said this year’s traffic safety week was a continuation of the success from the year before, with less safety violations in general.
“There’s always room to improve; next year I would like to do more and smaller events spread out, instead of just limited to one week,” said Thomas. “Overall, I think things went well.”
While not everyone will hear the message, making just one person more aware of safe driving can help save lives, Thomas said.
“Traffic safety is not just something to be aware of for a week,” he said. “Everyone needs to be aware, 365 days a year. That being said, one safer driver saves lives and protects our loved ones. Together, we can reduce the danger.”