Article Display

Stay safe, be seen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Due to daylight saving time which occurred March 9, some military members and their units now have to conduct physical training during the hours of darkness.
 
Military members and Department of Defense civilians performing PT during low light times are reminded to take the appropriate safety precautions such as wearing proper reflective gear and other items that will help members be seen.

"We've had some close calls in the early morning hours between runners, walkers, bicyclists and motorists," said Scott Eck, 20th Fighter Wing ground safety manager. "We must exercise increased vigilance to make sure we stay safe and protect our most valuable resource; our people."

While military members cannot let the time change stop them from training to be fit to fight, they are encouraged to pay specific attention to safety tips while training during low visibility.

"In the early morning hours of darkness, runners, walkers and bicyclists must always assume they are not seen by motorists, even when they are wearing brightly colored and reflective gear," continued Eck.

The official Air Force physical training uniform and the new Army PTU are equipped with reflective emblems. This is one way Airmen and Soldiers can combat against not being seen when performing physical training in low light conditions.

"As a reminder, current Shaw AFB guidance requires all military and DoD civilian personnel who are exposed to vehicular traffic (running, jogging, walking, etc.) to wear reflective clothing or devices such as a reflective belt, that is visible from all angles during the hours of official sunset to official sunrise," said Eck.

"Members should also take the same safety measures during reduced visibility like inclement weather to include fog, rain, sleet, snow, etc.," Eck said.

While military members make up a vast majority of people conducting PT during hours of darkness and low visibility, dependent personnel are also highly encouraged to take the same safety precautions when exercising.

Dependent personnel who are exposed to vehicular traffic are also strongly encouraged to understand and use the same safety measures as military personnel. Dependents are an equally valued resource, Eck concluded.