ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The safety of servicemembers is of utmost importance on any installation, to include Andrews Air Force Base. While there are many precautionary measures provided by commanders secure the well-being of Andrew's citizens, it is also in the hands of the Airmen to make sound decisions about their own personal safety.
Using headphones and cell phones while on roads and streets on Andrews is not permitted.
Andrews' traffic environment is a danger that members encounter on a daily basis while driving, cycling, or as a pedestrian, according to the 316th Wing Safety Office.
The pedestrian has a greater risk of injury than a motorist, and therefore needs to keep their senses of sight and hearing at optimal efficiency and free of self-imposed obstructions, to include headphones and cell phones, which limit audio perception, said the Safety Office.
"Joggers and bicyclists have perpetuated mishaps and caused themselves injury because they were wearing headsets listening to music, and could not use their sense of hearing to avoid danger," said the Safety Office.
The Department of Defense has published DoD instruction 6055.4, DoD Traffic Safety Program, which states, "The wearing of portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while jogging/running, bicycling, or skating on roads and streets on DoD installations is prohibited."
The policy states in reason that, "the use of these devices masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, the approach of vehicles, and human speech."
"Wing wide policy was established Jan. 1, 2005, and must be enforced to curtail the use of headphones and cell phones during jogging and cycling," said the Safety Office.
Airmen who wish to listen to audio devices can seek out designated environments for their physical conditioning. Headsets are allowed at the base physical fitness centers and at any of the three tracks, said the Safety Office.
On a sepparate safety note, Maryland law states that if there is no sidewalk available, pedestrians must jog, walk, or cycle, against the flow of traffic in order to see any oncoming dangers.
The wearing of headphones while jogging, walking, or cycling near roadways violates DoD instruction 6055.4, and can become unwise decision making in regards to one's own well-being.
Airman are better served, and can better serve our country in good health, by keeping the headsets at home, or by only using them in designated areas. (Courtesy of 316th Saftey Office)