Inattentive driving causing headaches

Published Oct. 8, 2010
By Monica Mendoza
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Inattentive driving has caused nearly 40 parking lot fender benders and about a dozen minor crashes near the gates this summer on Peterson Air Force Base.

Fender benders are considered minor vehicle accidents, and on Peterson these bumper car-like antics are mostly happening in the parking lots of the base exchange and shoppette. In addition, 10 Peterson drivers came out of their buildings this summer to discover damage to their vehicles. These minor vehicle crashes and door dents are not severe, but can be expensive and most certainly can ruin a day.

As winter approaches, the roads may be icy and drivers should use even more caution, said Staff Sgt. Curtis Cain, 21st Security Forces Squadron reports and analysis clerk.

Typically, the fender benders play out like this: an individual approaches the gate looking for his ID card and runs into the back of the vehicle in front of him. Or, a person backs out of a parking spot, does not look, and hits either a car driving by or a parked car.

"Any driver who hits another vehicle should report it to 21st SFS," Sergeant Cain said.

According to Air Force Instruction, anyone who leaves the scene of an accident or fails to notify security forces, may earn up to 12 driving points, which could result in the loss of driving privileges on base for one year, Sergeant Cain said.

In August, many of the minor accidents happened in the parking lot by the Peterson Sports and Fitness Center, where there was construction. Sergeant Cain noted that there are many areas on base where construction crews are working, including at the west gate.

"When people are backing up and there is construction, they need to be careful and be aware of their surroundings," Sergeant Cain said.

As summer comes to a close, so did the 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign, which ended Sept. 6. Air Force officials are happy to report a 27 percent reduction in vehicle fatalities.

"Thankfully, the 21st Space Wing did not lose a single Airman to a vehicle mishap," said Lt. Col. Allen Reeves, 21st SW safety chief.

However, there was an increase in minor automobile accidents, Colonel Reeves said.

"While not fatal, they can cause personal injury and property damage," he said. "In an effort to overcome this trend, driver awareness signs will be placed throughout the base to remind drivers to keep their head in the game."

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently tested 18 vehicles' fenders at low speed crashes and the damage caused to the cars cost anywhere from $500 to $9,000, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Most of the minor accidents on Peterson this summer were privately owned vehicles hitting other privately owned vehicles; however, there was a noted increase in government vehicles involved in driving mishaps mostly due to inattentive driving. Security forces will ticket at fault drivers involved in minor car crashes.

"People need to be careful," Sergeant Cain said. "In parking lots, there are lots of cars in a little space and accidents may cost each driver money. If you are driving, please pay attention."

Safe Driving Tips
· Drive the speed limit
· Don't text and drive
· Look out for construction crews and limited views
· Look behind you before you back out of a parking space
· Have your ID card ready before you drive toward the gate

Report a car accident
· If you are involved in an accident, see an accident or see someone leaving the scene of an accident, call 556-4000.