Vehicle rollovers become problematic at Hurlburt

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden
  • 16th SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla --  The 16th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Flight and 16th Security Forces Squadron responded to a vehicle rollover accident outside the east gate Sept. 7.

This marked the third vehicle rollover accident the unit responded to in two months.

A recent base traffic survey indicated that more than 98 percent of motorists exiting via the east gate exceed the 25 mph speed limit.
Additionally, drivers normally speed up immediately after exiting the gate, which causes skidding.

"We've reduced the speed limit to 15 mph through the gate and lowered the Martin Luther King Boulevard speed limit from 45 to 35 mph," said Col. Michael Smietana, 16th Mission Support Group commander. "We've placed a speed monitoring sign beside the marquee to raise awareness on how fast motorists are going. Also, we'll increase traffic patrols in that area to ensure safety, too."

The base has gone to great lengths to evaluate the safety of these roads. The pavement has been evaluated and friction tests will be considered to determine if the surface is up to par.

"If needed, we'll resurface the road again; but in the meantime, we want people to be aware of the potentially hazardous situation and slow down," said Colonel Smietana.

There are two things that base emergency services would like to remind Hurlburt patrons of when entering and departing the base.

First, some of the roads a-round here are partially made of seashells, which have natural oils mixed in the asphalt.

"When it rains, the water causes these oils to rise to the top of the road, and makes it very slick," said Chief Master Sgt. E.J. Rouvet, 16th CES Fire and Emergency Services chief.
Second, when departing the back gate gradually in-crease your acceleration, because one slick spot may cause the vehicle to go into a skid that can't be stopped. We're concerned about the safety of everyone at Hurlburt Field," said Colonel Smietana.

"Be aware of the new speed limits out of the east gate, slow down and be cognizant of the hazardous driving conditions, especially when it rains," he said.