Breaking the law: 70 drivers are caught during Safety Spot Check

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
The results were astounding.
   Senior Tinker leaders conducted a second safety spot check Sept. 26, eight months after the operation debuted. Senior leaders, plus more than 20 72nd Security Forces Squadron members, cited drivers who spoke on their cellular telephones without a hands-free device or were unbuckled. Nearly 70 drivers were cited for the illegal actions, which more than tripled January's results.
   "This is one of many tools we use to ensure those who exercise the privilege of driving on the installation understand that we are dedicated to keeping our streets safe and that means folks must wear seatbelts and use only hands-free cell phones," said Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander.
   Officials stationed themselves at two posts for the operation: near the Base Exchange at the intersection of Arnold Street, east and westbound, and "M" Avenue, and the northeast corner of Bldg. 3001.
   Senior leaders who participated in the operation included Colonel Correll; Col. Mona Lisa Tucker, 72nd ABW vice commander; Col. James Eilers, 72nd Mission Support Group commander; Lt. Col. Joe Hogan, acting commander of the 72nd SFS while Lt. Col. Lisette D. Childers is deployed; Lt. Col. Kyle Ingham, 72nd MSG deputy commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Roddy Hartsook, 72nd MSG superintendent.
   During the two-hour operation, 67 drivers were cited. Of them, 47 were issued seatbelt violations and 18 for cell phone violations. The remaining two were caught for a warrant and driving without insurance, said Capt. Kenneth King, 72nd SFS Operations officer.
   "I'm surprised we caught a lot people not wearing a seatbelt," Colonel Tucker said. "It's been a requirement for a long time, and driving while talking on cell phones is not appropriate. Maybe if we get the word out, people will pay attention."
   By the BX, 26 drivers were issued citations for seat belt violations and seven were cited for cell phone violations. At Bldg. 3001, 21 drivers were cited for seatbelt violations and 11 were issued cell phone citations.
   In January, only 20 drivers were cited for seatbelt and cell phone violations, Capt. King said.
   "I don't know how many times we have to tell people to buckle up and be safe, but they still don't get the message," said Colonel Eilers.
   The privilege to drive on base can be taken away depending on the citations a driver receives. Drivers are evaluated on a point system for moving violations, citations for non-moving violations and immediate suspensions for reckless driving.
   If a driver accumulates 12 points within one year, driving privileges are suspended for one year. Driving with an unbuckled seatbelt is worth four points. Driving while talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device is worth three points, said Dennis March, 72nd SFS security assistant.
   As of press time, 120 Tinker drivers lost installation driving privileges for at least six months, Mr. March said.