Driving deaths, injuries unacceptable Published Oct. 19, 2006 By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel 48th Fighter Wing Commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- I'm extremely disappointed. I'm extremely disappointed the 48th Fighter Wing and the 100th Air Refueling wing recently experienced great losses with the death of two of our Airmen--both due to car accidents on the local roads. And I'm extremely disappointed that just last weekend, we experienced another close call with four more Liberty Warriors involved in a vehicle accident. This terrible trend of killing ourselves and maiming our UK neighbors on the roads must stop. Our losses only stress the need further to be extremely cautious when getting behind a vehicle--even in clear, sunny weather. Unfortunately, the worst is yet to come--the cold, dark, foggy and icy winter weather is ahead, which only reiterates even more why every single one of us must make changes to our commuting habits. If you thought you were confident and comfortable on the British roads, think again. Our Airmen who were killed and injured on the roads thought they were adept drivers, and look what happened. Never let your guard down and ensure you are 100 percent in the game when driving. I know you've heard it before - from your commanders, from your driving inprocessing brief, and from me - but in the hopes one more time will make the difference between life and death, allow me to reinforce the rules of the road in the UK: - Slow down--do not exceed, under any circumstances the posted speed limits; in poor weather conditions, cut your speed well below the speed limits--I'd rather you be late for work than dead in a ditch. Take extra time when driving--and multiply that time by two when its dark, foggy or icy outside - - Prepare before you travel--carry a winter weather kit in your car, clean off windshields and windows, and ensure your car is winterized with proper winter tune-ups - Do not pass or overtake on local roads--everyone knows the no-passing order set by myself and Col. Mike Stough at RAF Mildenhall; we didn't set this rule to inconvenience you--we did it for your health and ours...and our families'--heed it. - Be alert and limit distractions--drink some coffee before you head home if you're working late nights or before you head into work after a not-so-good night's sleep; don't fiddle with CDs, iPods, radio stations or other distracters when behind the wheel. Any second your attention is off the road in front of you is a huge risk you're taking with your life. Finally, I'm so upset about drinking and then getting behind a wheel or into a car with someone who has had a drink that I'm not even going to discuss it again in this forum. If you do it, in my mind, you become a lethal weapon--and intent to kill yourself or someone else is unacceptable in this Air Force. With the plethora of options to set yourself up for a safe ride home--from your wingman to AADD to a taxi, there is absolutely no excuse to drive after drinking alcohol. Our goal for the winter is a season without an accident on our roads--I challenge you to meet that goal. In the coming weeks you'll see more information put out by our 48th FW Safety office about driving courses and safe driving practices. By following these safety precautions, and simply using logical decision making when considering driving in adverse weather, we will meet our goal and live to enjoy another holiday season with our friends and family.