ARPC officials encourage safe driving

  • Published
  • By Mike Molina
  • Editor
DENVER --  Officials at the Air Reserve Personnel Center are encouraging safe driving on and off the facility. 

ARPC safety officials completed their second seat belt, cell phone and motorcycle survey at the Buckley Annex on Feb. 25. During the survey, safety officials stood at the Annex main entrance and monitored drivers entering and leaving the facility. 

"It's prevention by presence," said Senior Master Sgt. William Caskey, ground safety superintendent at ARPC. "We're trying to foster a positive environment for good safety habits." 

Results showed that 98 percent of Annex drivers are complying with Air Force regulations that require using seat belts, hands-free devices when talking on cell phones and proper equipment while operating a motorcycle. 

Safety officials began conducting the surveys in October 2008. During the first survey, 80 percent of drivers were in compliance. 

"If we can prevent one injury, one accident, then it's worth it," Sergeant Caskey said. "We're trying to help our population over all." 

Another initiative safety officials are concentrating on is preventing motorcycle fatalities. In the past few years, safety officials have noticed an increase in motorcycle fatalities in March and April, Sergeant Caskey said. 

The Air Force requires all motorcycle riders to complete a motorcycle safety course before they can ride on an Air Force facility. ARPC reimburses the cost of taking an approved course. 

"The course is not only a requirement, it helps educate riders on what the rules are," Sergeant Caskey said.