Action Line: Enforcing left-hand-drive vehicle headlamp conversions

  • Published
  • By Col. John T. Quintas
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  


COMPLAINT:

I suggest 48 FW, 100 ARW, and 501 CSW develop plans to enforce headlight conversions on left-hand-drive vehicles for USAFE forces serving in the UK.

Drivers with un-converted left-hand-drive-vehicle headlights create a significant driving hazard, especially during winter months. On-coming drivers are blinded by un-converted vehicles, especially truck- and SUV-sized vehicles. The hazard is increased on country/fen roads that don't
have painted lines. Rain/wet roads increases the hazard. Drain ditches along fen roads can be very unforgiving.

I've lived in the UK for 20+ years and have been pseudo-blinded many times, even my military/AAFES/Services vehicles.

The conversion can be inexpensive (tape conversion kits) or expensive (e.g., professional conversion).

Some suggestions:

Suggestion 1. Wing Safety offices to brief the issue at newcomers' briefings and possibly provide the inexpensive tape conversion kits to newcomers.

Suggestion 2. Pass and ID require people to read and sign a statement acknowledging that vehicles being registered on base must have lights converted before the vehicle can be registered.

Suggestion 3. Units safety reps brief drivers on a recurring (e.g., quarterly basis), especially during autumn/winter months.

Suggestion 4. Occasional spot checks on vehicles entering/leaving the base (similar to seat-belt checks). A wall or sheet of plywood could be outlined/marked to determine if vehicles' headlamps dip right from a fixed distance.

Suggestion 5. Hold "Light Conversion Days" where drivers can have their cars' lights converted via tape kit. Maybe AAFES would sponsor/provide the tape kits.

Suggestion 6. Services squadrons could promote light conversions via tape kits at Auto Hobby Shops.

Suggestion 7. Have wing/unit safety reps form a Tiger Team to determine the best course of action to improve driving safety for USAFE/joint forces personnel serving in the UK.


RESPONSE:

Thank you for bringing this concern to my attention. IAW RAF Lakenheath rules and regulations, anyone arriving to the base has 30 days to convert their vehicle's headlights. One caveat to this is if you buy a new US spec automobile in country and sign documentation that it will be out of the country within 1 year, the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not require light conversions. Many folks choose to do this and that might be the cause of most of what you are experiencing, at least on base.

That said, at RAFL, we have numerous resources that can assist and inform vehicle owners/operators with driving safety information. Within FSS, our Auto Hobby shop performs light conversions, by appointment. This service is advertised through multiple media channels, available to all base personnel to include a briefing at our Newcomers Session.

Additionally, we have several programs in place to mitigate these driving hazards. These include Course II training for all newcomers and their dependents, Course III training for FTAC, and a follow on training for first term Airmen between 10 and 14 months on station.

The Wing also has an AcciDon't, program to provide young inexperienced drivers with hands-on training from a qualified UK driver training instructor.

Lastly, there is a driver training simulator available at the AFRC for all personnel, active duty and dependents alike, to familiarize themselves with UK driving and build confidence before tackling the roads. It can also be used by commanders as a training tool when an Airman is identified as being "high risk" or is having difficulty adjusting to UK driving.

Based on your suggestion, our Safety Office will include this topic as a Commander's Safety topic, to be addressed at Commander's Calls throughout the Wing.

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