Officials concerned over ALC traffic issues Published Nov. 20, 2008 By Micah Garbarino Tinker Air Force Base TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Several recent 'near misses' between autos and pedestrians has Tinker leadership directing law enforcement and safety officials to pay close attention to the traffic flow at the new Hruskocy gate entrance and parking areas near Bldg. 3001. Traffic entering the base through the Hruskocy gate is not stopped by a traffic signal, but there is a signaled intersection close by, parking lots and pedestrian cross-walks are also very near the gate. It's a potentially dangerous cluster. "With this mix of vehicles, signals, a gate entry-point and distracted pedestrians and vehicle operators, it will take extra care by all to prevent mishaps," said Lt. Col. Thomas Painter, chief of Safety here. Due to the recent safety concerns, law enforcement will be in the area watching for traffic violations. Repeated violations could cause vehicle operators to lose their base driving privileges, officials say. "Drivers need to comply with the all traffic codes concerning yielding to pedestrians in cross walks, be polite and alert to pedestrians, and above all slow down," said Colonel Painter. Pedestrians must follow the rules as well, said Colonel Painter, obeying traffic-control signals and using common sense when entering a cross-walk. "Don't step out into the street in front of a vehicle that would not have the time and distance needed to stop. Make eye contact. A lot of drivers are distracted, they aren't paying attention to you," said Colonel Painter. With thousands of workers, Bldg. 3001's parking lot can be tough to navigate safely, drivers and pedestrians need to follow the rules for everyone's safety, officials said. On Tinker, parking lots have speed limits of 5 miles-per-hour, but a recent safety office speed check found drivers averaged 17 miles-per-hour in these areas, the fastest vehicle was clocked at 40 miles-per-hour, said Colonel Painter. That's too fast for drivers who must look for people popping out in between cars, he said. Pedestrians should always look before entering a new parking row. Everyone must walk and drive defensively to ensure safety on Tinker's streets, officials said. To report traffic violations, Security forces can be reached at 734-3737. Callers should report the make and model of the vehicle and the tag number if possible. Names and phone numbers of any person who may have also noticed the violation are helpful, officials said. The Safety Office can be contacted at 739-3263 to report physical hazards, such as fading crosswalk signage, missing or inoperative traffic control devices or any other issue concerning traffic flow issues, said Colonel Painter. "Each person is responsible for their own safety. Drivers and pedestrians alike must share in the effort to keep everyone safe," Colonel Painter said.