Show us some summer safety!

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erin O'Shea
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Summer is normally accompanied with warmer weather, outdoor activities and, for kids, no school. As the winter chill thaws and children come out to play, it's crucial to keep safety precautions in mind.

"Everybody needs to be wearing a helmet," said Tech. Sgt. Hyrum Lowder, 48th Fighter Wing Safety Office ground safety manager.

Helmets are required to be worn on Air Force installations when riding a human-powered vehicle, bicycle, tricycle or even motorized bicycles, according to AFI 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program. Air Force personnel and dependents must follow Air Force laws regarding helmet use when based in the U.K. or elsewhere.

"Make sure the strap is somewhat tight, and you can't fit more than a couple of fingers between the strap and your face," Lowder added.

Personnel who reside in England may realize the weather is not always prime for using a bicycle to get to and from work. Mornings can consist of fog, which drastically reduces visibility on the roads.

Wearing proper reflective gear is a safety necessity that protects cyclists and other road users.

"People need to wear [vibrant] clothing so they stand out and are visible," Lowder said. "We, as a safety office, would love for people to wear the whole reflective vest."

To help remain visible during all hours of the day, the AFI states to wear a highly-visible outer garment during daylight and outer garments containing retro-reflective material at night. Also, bicycles must be equipped with a white front light visible at 500 feet and a reflector or light clearly visible from the rear at 300 feet.

All the available visibility aides still can't eliminate the hazard of sharing the roadway with vehicles; especially since most local roads are narrow and surrounded by softer ground. Mornings and afternoons tend to have the highest traffic volume and present increased risk.

"My recommendation is, if you plan on riding on the roadways, try to use the roads that aren't as busy," Lowder said.

The 48th FW Safety Office wants to ensure base personnel and their families know what is required of cyclists under AFI 91-207.

For more information on precautions or guidelines, contact the safety office at DSN 226-3737 or commercial 01638 523737.