Don't take a pass on your life Published Feb. 10, 2011 By Senior Airman David Dobrydney 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- They can be useful or deadly machines, and can react unpredictably even though Airmen use them in the same places every day. These machines are automobiles. Within the past month, there have been four car accidents involving Air Force personnel from RAF Lakenheath and nearby RAF Mildenhall. One of the accidents was attributed to excessive speed and in another the driver's incorrectly assessed the road conditions. "With spring approaching and folks thinking that the roads are getting safer, we must continue to emphasize that the most dangerous thing that Airmen do on a daily basis is drive to and from work," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Alexander, 48th Fighter Wing chief of safety. Most routes to and from the bases pass through villages. There are generally speed limits of 30 miles per hour through these areas, and for good reason. Colonel Alexander said a pedestrian, if hit by a car travelling 20 mph has about a 95 percent chance of survival. However, that same person hit at 40 mph has about a 90 percent chance of dying. When the road doesn't pass through a village, it usually crosses farmland and forests where animals can sometimes stray onto the roadway. The other two recent accidents took place when drivers swerved to avoid animals, rolling their vehicles. "Though we truly care about our feathered or furry friends, the cost of losing one of our Airmen or our loved ones is greater. If you see an animal in the roadway, do not swerve to miss it," said Senior Master Sgt. James Middleton, 48th FW Safety superintendent. A rabbit, small deer or pheasant, are all not worth causing an accident. He also stated that driving below the speed limit on these farmland/forest roads will aid in identifying animals near the roadside. Though a motorist obeys the speed limit, the condition of their vehicle is just as important. Bald tires and worn brakes both increase stopping distance. A driver must ensure their vehicle is properly aligned to avoid over steering in an emergency situation. Sudden stops and swerves can take place when one vehicle attempts to overtake another. A joint directive from the commanders of both the 48th FW and 100th Air Refueling Wing prohibits passing any vehicle other than those traveling less than 30 mph on the following roads: · The A1101 between Littleport and Bury St. Edmunds · The B1065 between Brandon and the Five Ways roundabout · The B1112 between Icklingham and Feltwell · The B1107 between Brandon and Thetford · The C620 Wangford Road between the A1065 and B1112 · The Sedge Fen Road connecting the B1112 near Lakenheath village and the A1101 · The Holywell Row Road connecting the A1101 and the B1112 If a driver must pass a slow-moving vehicle, it is their responsibility to do so only where passing is safe and authorized by U.K. traffic laws. Passing should be done on straight roads instead of curves as it can be harder to detect what might be coming in the opposite direction. Drivers found violating the no-passing policy will face appropriate action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or other lawful authority. This specifically may include revocation of driving privileges. While none of the four recent accidents resulted in serious injuries, they highlight the need for every driver to remain aware when they venture out. "You are irreplaceable to us and your family," said Sergeant Middleton.