LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Beginning Aug. 1, Langley's 1st Security Forces Squadron along with 1st Fighter Wing Safety personnel will conduct weekly seat belt inspections at random locations on Langley and Bethel Manor.
The 1st Fighter Wing will increase penalties gradually through September to decrease the number of Airmen who die due to irresponsibility.
"It only takes two seconds to buckle up, yet a surprising number of drivers on Langley are not complying with the base's mandatory seatbelt rule," said Maj. Lawrence Spinetta, 1st FW chief of safety. "Spot checks on drivers as they exited the Langley security gates revealed less than perfect compliance. As a result, commanders in cooperation with the wing safety office have developed a plan called the 'Shock & Awe' Seatbelt Initiative."
Langley's leadership is fully committed to reversing the disturbing trend of drivers not wearing their seatbelts according to 1st FW Commander.
"I wouldn't dream of flying a $135 million Raptor without strapping in," said Col. Mark Barrett, 1st FW commander. "Similarly, I wouldn't dream of driving my family to the commissary without making sure everyone was buckled up. Don't jeopardize your life or your family's safety."
The 1st Fighter Wing Safety Office reports traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen. In fact, the number of troops who die in motor vehicle crashes each year far exceeds combat and operational fatalities. In more than a third of the fatal mishaps, people were not wearing their seat belt.
Security forces and safety personnel will contact the commander of any service member caught in the dragnet without their seatbelt fastened. In September, the penalties associated with not wearing a seat belt will increase. Security forces will issue a traffic ticket, a DD Form 1408 for active duty drivers, and drivers will have four points assessed against their driving record. In October, Airmen not wearing their seatbelt will have their base driving privileges suspended for 30 days. Any repeat offenders will have their base driving privileges suspended for one year.
"We will be vigilantly enforcing the seat belt policy," said Maj. Mark DiCarlo, 1st Security Forces Squadron commander. "My preference though is to be able to congratulate you for wearing your seatbelt rather than citing you for not wearing one."
"To avoid the hassle of losing your base driving privileges and more importantly, to save your life in an accident, make it a habit to fasten your seat belt every time you get in your vehicle," he added.
When used, seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent. On average, hospital care costs for an unbelted crash victim are 50 percent higher than those who used a seatbelt.
"To encourage Airmen to do the right thing and wear seat belts, the 'Shock & Awe' initiative includes educational elements as well as enforcement action for those who stubbornly refuse to comply with the base's mandatory seat-belt policy," said Major Spinetta. "The plan is designed to achieve rapid dominance of the driving environment, improve the understanding of Airmen with regard to seatbelt safety and overcome complacency."