Safety doesn’t end with the duty day: Be safe in base parking lots

Published Oct. 16, 2007
By Kandis West
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Tinker Air Force Base has a well-documented history of safety practices in the workplace; however, safety doesn't end with the duty day.
   Base officials have an increasing concern with the safety of the parking lots.
   The combination of high traffic, inattentive pedestrians and speeding drivers makes the situation dangerous in any parking lot, said Dennis March, 72nd Security Forces assistant.
   "Drivers should follow the 5 mile per hour speed limit and pay attention while backing up because more than 50 percent of all reported accidents happen while backing," Mr. March said.
   The parking lot at Bldg. 3001 is a particular concern because people getting off of work are not mindful of the speed limit or pedestrians, Mr. March said.
   Add to that the false sense of security pedestrians hold because they feel they have the right of way, the situation can be hazardous, he said.
   "Pedestrians do not have the right of way in parking lots unless they are in a crosswalk," said 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker Installation Commander Col. Mark Correll.
   Just last month a female pedestrian walking in between cars in the parking lot of Bldg. 3001 was hit in the knee by a vehicle, Mr. March said.
   Drivers are not obligated to yield to pedestrians who are darting between cars and often don't see them until it is too late. Therefore, pedestrians should take precaution.
   Mr. March said although pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk have the right of way, it doesn't mean drivers are looking out for them.
   "You may be right, but you could be dead right," Mr. March said.
   Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of or behind a vehicle.
   Col. Mona Lisa Tucker, 72nd ABW vice commander, said a pedestrian must be on guard to protect one's self, because he will always lose a battle with a moving vehicle.
   "All of us need to be on the defensive as we drive and walk," Colonel Tucker said. "Do your part to cut senseless parking lot accidents to zero by obeying the speed limit and pay attention to your surroundings."