Wing safety office spreads knowledge to protect motorists Published Oct. 17, 2007 By 52nd Fighter Wing Safety Office SPANGDAHLEM AIR FORCE, Germany -- The 52nd Fighter Wing Safety Office has a few pointers to make the change in weather and driving as painless as possible for Eifel community residents. Winter is upon us, and there are some important things Sabers should know to get through this year's winter season safe and accident-free. "Saber members should be aware of the local road conditions," said Airman 1st Class Marcus Higa, 52nd FW ground safety apprentice. "It is imperative to maintain a winter safety kit consisting of items such as first aid kit, thermal blanket, high calorie non-perishable food, warning triangle, cellular phone, signal flares and latex gloves should you be called upon to assist in an accident where there may be blood exposed injuries." Being aware of the current road conditions can make the difference between safely arriving at a destination or not arriving at all. Some other helpful hints offered by the safety office include ensuring vehicles have seasonal winter tune-up, maintains proper fuel levels, as well as winter or all season tires with proper "M+S or M/S," mud and snow capabilities. "It's a big surprise not to have snow by this time of year," said Agnes Hust, 52nd Communications Squadron postal finance clerk local national employee. Ms. Hust has lived in this region for more than 30 years and suggests people allow vehicles time to warm up prior to driving and to clear all ice and snow from windows and headlights ensuring vision is not obstructed. "Eifel members need to plan ahead during these upcoming winter months and definitely make sure they allow themselves plenty of time to get to where they need to," said Tech. Sgt. Ty Grant, 52nd FW NCOIC of ground safety. The weather changes very rapidly during this time of year going from being clear, to fog, to rain, to snow all in a course of a day. Another item wing personnel and their family members should be wary of is the infamous black ice that this region of Germany is known for. The black ice settles in shady and low-lit areas. Base personnel should be cautious while traveling over bridges, underpasses, overpasses and going into or around sharp corners. As an additional safety measure, drivers should eliminate the temptation to pass during these times unless it is absolutely necessary. Sabers should heed even more so now the guidance set forth in Spangdahlem Air Base Instruction 31-204, which covers the no passing rule on B-50. A new policy letter is currently in the works to apply these same no passing guidelines on L-39, between the towns of Speicher and Herforst, because of reoccurring accidents that happen on this road regularly. According to Sergeant Grant, drivers can only gain minutes in getting to their destination. "The best course of action is to take your time and adjust your driving routines accordingly to adapt to the changes of unpredictable weather conditions and ultimately arrive to your destination safe and sound," Sergeant Grant said. "Incorporate operational risk management steps when making the decision to drive in the winter. If you slide when you are walking to your car, you probably should not drive. Don't be afraid to call your boss to tell him you might late due to current weather conditions. The Safety Office would rather have you arrive late and alive, than not to arrive at all." The base safety experts recommend that drivers have some type of roadside emergency assistance service to avoid falling victim to this year's winter grasp and also should leave sooner along with doubling normal driving times to ensure they arrive at their final destinations in one piece and fit to fight another day. To ensure base personnel stay up to date with the latest weather and road condition information, people should utilize and keep readily available the below listed information to stay abreast of all weather changes during these winter months. Ms. Hust also offers this last bit of advice to get through these brisk times. "Getting through the German winters is easy as long as you remain safety ready," Ms. Hust said. For more information on driving safely in Germany call the wing safety office, at 452-7233.