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NEWS | Aug. 16, 2007

Drivers, pedestrians cross paths

By Master Sgt. Alan Williams 316th Wing Public Affairs

In July when the main gate re-opened, there were changes to the traffic pattern and a new 15 mph zone was established in front of Bldg. 1558 on Alabama Avenue where there are three crosswalks for access to the parking lot adjacent to Bldg. 1535.
However, some pedestrians have raised their concerns about their safety after attempting use crosswalks here at Andrews AFB. 

"I checked both ways before stepping into the street and was nearly run down," said Lt. Col. Catherine Reardon, chief of Public Affairs. "I couldn't believe the person driving didn't even attempt to slow down." 

Colonel Reardon isn't the only one this has happened to. One squadron commander commented that he experienced a near miss shortly after arriving here as well. 

"After a promotion celebration June 14, I went to cross the street where I had parked. I naively thought if I used the crosswalk, my new Andrews colleagues would stop for me," said Col. Jeffery Bateman, 316th Security Forces Squadron commander. "I made eye contact with an elderly driver - who promptly floored it!" 

The driver sped up in an effort to pass the colonel before he could cross. 

Another area of concern is on Menoher Drive at the crosswalk in front of the 89th Airlift Wing headquarters building, according to 89th Airlift Wing Safety Office. 

"We ought to do better than this," said Colonel Bateman. "One of the great things about being a member of the military community is that it is a safe place to live and work."
Information obtained from the 316thWing Safety Office pertaining to Maryland traffic laws clearly indicates that all pedestrians have the right-of way at street crossings on Andrews and the towns and cities of Maryland with one exception - wherever traffic is controlled by traffic officers or control devices. 

When to "drivers approach a crosswalk, they are required come to a complete stop when a pedestrian is crossing the driver's lane or close enough to the driver's lane to be in imminent danger. 

The rules not only affect vehicles approaching a crosswalk, but vehicles in traffic behind them as well. So much so, that when any vehicle is stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross, vehicles approaching from the rear are not allowed to overtake or pass the stopped vehicle. 

Colonel Bateman placed emphasis on his personal and professional responsibilities as it pertains to traffic on the installation. 

"I'll certainly do my part, by setting the example myself," he said, "and (by) encouraging my patrolmen to issue written reminders for folks who forget we expect you to leave your bad habits at the gate when you drive on Andrews." 

(Traffic law information provided by the 316th Wing Safety Office)