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Shaw enforces seat belt policy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Anyone driving on Shaw, Poinsett Electronic Combat Range and Wateree Recreation Area is mandated to wear a seat belt. Those caught without one, can receive a ticket, lose four points against their base driving record and lose their base driving privileges for 30 days according to Shaw's policy.

Thirty days is the penalty for the first offense, said Staff Sgt. Jason Reid, 20th Fighter Wing ground safety journeyman. The second offense constitutes the loss of base-driving privileges for one year. 

"Anyone driving or riding in a vehicle on base without a seatbelt today will be walking tomorrow," said Col. James Post, 20th FW commander. "We care too much about our Airmen, their families, and those that support our vitally important mission to take any unnecessary risks. Traveling in a vehicle without a seatbelt is an absolutely unnecessary risk."

Anyone can be penalized, Sgt. Reid said. Civilians, retirees and dependents could also be fined, he said. The rules are there to ensure people understand the importance of wearing their seat belt.

Seatbelt statistics show those who wear seat belts stand a much better chance of surviving an accident versus those who do not, the sergeant said. Last year, in the U.S. alone, there were more than 6 million vehicles involved in accidents. In 2002, a survey found that 72 percent of all people involved in motor vehicle accidents in South Carolina were not wearing their seat belt.

The 20th FW Safety office, along with the 20th Security Forces Squadron, conduct seat belt compliance checks at random locations throughout Shaw, he said.

"These checks are not conducted to 'bust' people; they are conducted to ensure personnel are complying with Air Force and local policies," Sergeant Reid said.