Keeping our roads safe Published Aug. 15, 2012 By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- From January 2012 to present, the 48th Fighter Wing experienced 109 minor accidents on base, 13 minor accidents off base, nine major accidents on base and 24 major accidents off base. These accidents might have been avoided if all drivers followed the rules of the road and practiced safe driving habits. To help ensure that people drive safely, a new Traffic Spotter Program has been implemented. The Traffic Spotter Program is designed so anyone can make a report if they see someone driving recklessly, texting while driving, passing in no pass zones or exhibiting other unsafe driving habits. To file a report, people can email trafficspotter@lakenheath.af.mil. When emailing a report of a traffic incident, be sure to provide the proper details. "I just need the car, the registration, where they saw them, what time of day it was and what the offense was," said Barry Wall, 48th Fighter Wing Safety Office traffic safety program manager. Depending on the situation reported, the violator can face a variety of situations. "It could be that we need to deal with MOD police for the legal side of things, perhaps contact the person's commander, possibly discuss the individual re-taking the Course 2 Local Conditions briefing or re-taking the highway test," said Wall. The most effective way to avoid suspensions, punishments, fines, briefings and other traffic violating-related trouble is to simply follow the rules of the road and the rules of the base at all times. Not wearing seatbelts, for example, is unsafe and can result in a hefty punishment. "If anyone is seen driving on base not wearing a seatbelt, talking on a cell phone or texting, they will be pulled over by security forces," said Airman 1st Class Mekenzi Hicks, 48th Security Forces Squadron Base Defense Operations Center controller. "We have been given the authority by the 48th Mission Support Group commander to confiscate 3rd Air Force licenses on the spot. The individual operating the vehicle will be issued a traffic citation and a Suspension of Driving Privileges letter which suspends their driving privileges for a minimum of seven days." When given any such citations, it is best to take them seriously, or one can find themselves in even more trouble. "If a person chooses to operate a vehicle while under suspension, he or she will automatically lose their license for a minimum of two years and face Uniform Code of Military Justice action," said Hicks. The most effective way to avoid such citations and suspensions is to follow the rules and be a safe driver. Drive safely!