Walk, run this way - safety office provides guidelines for pedestrians

  • Published
  • By Installation Safety Office
  • 78th Air Base Wing
Many Team Robins members are taking advantage of the ideal weather for walking, jogging and running on base. 

As pedestrians, we walk from the parking lot to our jobs, to school, to meet friends and to relax with our families. 

In the past five years there have been 15 unnecessary pedestrian related fatal accidents in the Air Force. Walking and running around traffic requires critical thinking skills the same as riding a bike or driving a car.

Start with applying the same walking and running skills you learned as a child: stop - look left-right-left for traffic and be seen. 

It's recommended that joggers or runners remain off the road and on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic. 

Runners and drivers are urged to use caution when approaching vehicles and other personnel on the roadways to help prevent any unnecessary accident or result in a trip to the emergency room.

In accordance with AFI 91-207, "The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program":

*Individuals aren't authorized to jog, run or walk on high-traffic roads or during peak traffic periods.

*Individuals jogging, running or walking at night or in inclement weather must wear reflective clothing visible from the front and back. 

*The use of portable headphones, earphones, cellular phones or other listening and entertainment devices while walking, jogging, running, biking, skating or skateboarding on roadways is prohibited. 

It's highly recommended that walkers, joggers, and runners remain on the sidewalks as much as possible. 

At the first sign of approaching traffic, walkers, joggers, and runners should return and clear the roadway as much as possible.

Personnel who jog off the installation during hours of darkness, reduced visibility or inclement weather are highly encouraged to wear a reflective gear visible from the front and back.

The best way to negate a potential mishap with a motor vehicle while running, jogging or walking is to avoid doing these activities in a roadway. 

The fitness center has a 3-plus mile running trail which is almost entirely a dedicated path. 

Only a small portion of the running trail puts the runner, jogger or walker in the roadway and exposes them to traffic.  

While there's very little traffic in this area around the running trail, individuals need to use the crosswalks and always watch for traffic.

Another great alternative is the base fitness center which provides an indoor and outdoor fitness track that can potentially help individuals avoid unnecessary injuries or fatal accidents. 

Editor's note: If you have questions concerning the Air Force Traffic Safety Program call the   78th Air Base Wing Installation Safety Office at DSN 468-6271.