Vehicle safety starts before hitting the road

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Incirlik could be considered somewhat rural compared to other installations, but even though it lacks the vehicle traffic of larger bases, there is always the possibility of an accident. 

According to the 39th Air Base Wing Safety Office, there are numerous things Incirlik personnel can do to lessen their chances of a vehicle accident over the holiday season, particularly during rainfall or other wet weather conditions. 

"Good tires are very important," said Tech. Sgt. Cooper, 39th ABW/SE noncommissioned officer-in charge of inspections. "Your tires should be in good condition and have proper tread-depth. The more tread on your tires, the better traction you will have." 

"When your tires have proper tread, you will have less chance of hydroplaning as the water on the road will filter through the treads," he added. 

Hydroplaning is caused when ice or water forms a layer between the surface of the road and the vehicle's tires, causing a loss of traction. 

"If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and let your foot off the gas and ride out the slide. Tapping your gas pedal can cause you to lose control of your vehicle." 

Sergeant Cooper recommends that drivers operating vehicles without anti-lock brakes hold down the brake pedal until they feel traction with the road, release the pedal momentarily and repeat until they recover control of the vehicle. 

Information on tire tread depth may be found in the vehicle owner's manual or by contacting the tire manufacturer. 

Drivers operating vehicles with anti-lock breaks should keep pressure on the petal until their breaks 'catch,' said Sergeant Cooper. 

Sergeant Cooper recommends vehicle operators check their vehicle's windshield wipers and washer fluid levels weekly. 

"Serviceable windshield wipers will help you see road hazards and other vehicles clearly. In turn, your chances of running into something will decrease," he said. 

While it doesn't appear likely that snow will fall on Incirlik this year, base members may find snow a short drive away. According to the United States Department of Safety, 70 percent of all vehicle accidents occur during rain or snowfall. 

"Don't set cruise control in snowy conditions as there is a very good chance it will cause you to loose control," said Sergeant Cooper. 

Regardless of the road conditions, Sergeant Cooper recommends drivers remember to drive within what he called the "Three Cs." 

"The Three C's are: conditions of the road, capability of the vehicle and capability of yourself," he said. "Drivers should consider the conditions of the road they're about to travel on and possibly reconsider taking the trip." 

Some of these conditions include potholes, pools of water and how heavily the road is used by other vehicles. 

"Safety starts before you hit the road," said Sergeant Cooper. "Allow yourself time to reach your destination. As the United States Air Force in Europe Command safety message goes, 'Remember, it's your life, your choice. Choose wisely.'"