TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A part of daily life on an Air Force installation is traveling through the gates to get on base. The daily commute can become a mundane and routine practice, and often times, drivers get complacent and overlook the hazard of stopping their vehicles on top of the final denial barrier systems put in place for gate runners.
Whether waiting for a light, or for traffic at the gate to thin out, the area just above the barrier system should be avoided at all times in the event of a gate-runner activating the barrier. Signage and alarms are in place to warn drivers of the risk, but it is an ongoing problem according to 72nd ABW Security Forces.
During the last 18 years I have been stationed at different locations around our Air Force, I have noted many different systems; all are unfriendly towards anyone in their path or in their activation area. Whether you are in a prized shiny vehicle or just a commuter car, you, your occupants and your property are still at risk of injury if you happen to ignore cautions and barrier signals.
Airmen and civilians at Tinker must stay aware of their surroundings and the locations of the barrier devices. Whether you are entering or leaving base, these danger zones exist for both groups. Employees receive preventative information at New Employee Orientation or at the First Term Airmen Center from their Safety office, as well as being provided information by way of traffic signage near these areas of concern. Supervisors should also remind their employees on occasion.
Stay safe out there Tinker Warriors!