YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- With all the colorful sights to be had in Japan, service members may feel overwhelmed so much that some of the driving rules could escape one’s attention.
Security Forces recorded 67 speeding infractions in the past three months, a pattern of careless driving they would prefer not to replicate in the months to come.
“We’re just trying to get people to stop and slow down,” said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Roche, noncommissioned officer in charge of police services for the 374th Security Forces Squadron.
With all the Japanese domestic market vehicles around base, it might be tempting to flex that inline-six-cylinder, twin turbine engine, but the consequences could certainly put a damper on the excitement.
It’s not just speeding either, Roche expressed concern over running stop signs, texting while driving and wearing seatbelts.
To provide some perspective, here’s what those infractions can cost, understanding 12 points in one year results in a six-month suspension of driving privileges.
-Speeding: three to 12 points on your permit and potentially two months of driving suspension.
-Failure to use seat belt or ensure all passenger sin vehicle are restrained: four points.
-Failure to obey traffic signals or signs: four points.
-Cell phone use while driving: three points.
The administrative risks of careless driving are strict, but they exist because the risk to life is the reason for it.
“When we’re going 20 mph and hit a wall straight-on, that’s 20 mph force coming to zero right?” said Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Nardone, 374th Occupational Safety manager. “If we hit a car coming the opposite direction, also going 20 mph, the force is compounded.
“That’s very easily not survivable if you’re not wearing a seatbelt.”
It’s this deceptive math that can make texting while driving significantly more dangerous than it might seem, Nardone said.
“Texting while driving is illegal and dangerous, and the base population knows this as well, that’s why they try to hide it below the dashboard – making it even more dangerous,” Nardone said. “I’m not suggesting someone blatantly text, but what I am suggesting is they wait until they’re stopped to send that text.”
Someone might think: I can send this text real quick because I’m only going 20 mph, the risk is low.
It’s not.