MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Speeding tickets have increased on base due to drivers not paying attention to their surroundings, especially in school zone areas.
42nd Security Forces personnel are concerned about the safety of children on base. They know that children are using cross walks frequently this time of the year, but find that drivers are not paying attention to them.
“Bottom line, [drivers need to be] paying attention,” said Tech. Sgt. Marcus Bernard, 42nd SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of operations. “By putting the phone down while driving, paying attention to the cross walks, and most importantly slowing down in the active school zones. Distracted driving has been one of the most leading causes of vehicle incidents.”
Students that attend Maxwell Elementary/Middle School use Maxwell Boulevard, one of the busiest roads on base, to get to school.
Drivers need to know that Monday through Friday, the speed limit on Maxwell Boulevard and Selfridge Avenue through Maxwell Boulevard and Poplar Street is 15 mph from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The normal speed limit is 25 mph outside of these hours.
Failure to following the posted speed limits on base will result in severe penalties, especially in the school zone areas. Drivers can be fined up to $180 for speeding between one and 20 mph over the posted speed limit, and can be fined $80 for failing to yield to pedestrians in a designated crosswalk. In addition, drivers can also lose points on their driver’s license, up-to six points, for driving more than 25 mph in a school zone. Finally, within the Air Force Manual for Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, the installation commander can revoke driving privileges when a serious incident involving a motor vehicle happens on base and can determine an immediate withdrawal of driving privileges. These repercussions are for anyone that drives on the installation.
Although children are typically taught to look both ways before crossing the roads, drivers who pay attention to their surrounding can make a difference.
“Whether they are going to or from school, they (children) need to get there safe and sound,” Bernard said. “By doing your part, this reduces the risk of potential incidents involving children tremendously. Plus it’s the right thing to do.”
For more information about the school zones, contact the 42nd Security Forces Squadron at 334-953-7222, or the Reports and Analysis Section at 334-953-4101.