CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Ignorantia legis neminem excusat. What does this term mean? "Ignorance of the law excuses no one."
A few years ago I was driving on a four-lane highway. I was quietly running 65 mph when I saw the blue lights. I honestly had no idea why I was getting pulled over, so when the officer asked me "Do you know why I stopped you?" I honestly looked at him and said. "Sir, I have no idea why you pulled me over but I am sure I was doing something wrong." The officer explained that I was in a construction zone and I was 20 mph over the speed limit. While I honestly had no idea I was in a construction zone, I still had to pay the ticket. Why? Because of the legal principle above.
We are coming up on the operational readiness inspection rapidly. During the ORI if you violate a rule, whether you know it or not, you and the wing will be held accountable. This applies to Airmen, family members, civilians and contractors. Traffic safety violations will count against us during the ORI.
During their ORI, the 172nd Airlift Wing dropped from an "outstanding" rating to an "excellent" rating due to traffic violations. Those violations included: failure to wear seatbelts; failure to secure children in an appropriate child safety seat; people using cell phones while driving; and motorcycle riders failing to wear brightly colored upper garments. There is no excuse for Team Charleston to repeat their mistake. Signs are posted on safety rules. Articles have been written on all of these issues. Safety briefings and commander's calls have also addressed these issues. If you are unclear of the rules let me clarify some of them so you don't have to say to your squadron or wing commander "Sir, I had no idea that what I did was wrong.
If you are a military member and your ride a motorcycle, moped, motor scooter, etc. you must wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, full-finger gloves, face shield or goggles, over the ankle boots or shoes, long pants and a long sleeve shirt or jacket -- no exceptions. Riders must also wear a brightly colored upper garment during the day and reflective upper garment at night. Air Force Instruction 91-207 Air Mobility Command Sup 1, the traffic safety gold standard, states: "The following fluorescent colors are some examples of colors considered sufficiently vivid in color/reflectivity to ensure increased visibility from a distance: bright red, yellow, lime yellow, orange or lime green. Outer garments consisting of fluorescent colors with reflective panels (including motorcycle riding leathers with contrasting panels) are acceptable as an upper body garment. Battle dress uniforms (woodland or desert), Airmen battle uniforms, service uniform combinations and flight suits are not considered brightly colored."
Military riders must also complete a motorcycle safety course and if you ride a sport bike, you must complete the Air Mobility Command Sport Bike Course. These rules apply on and off duty, on and off base 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. If you are confused on any traffic issue refer to AFI 91-207 AMC Sup 1.
Vehicle operators on Defense Department installations and operators of government owned, leased or rented vehicles, whether on or off a DOD installation, are prohibited from using cell phones while the vehicle is in operation. The exception to this rule is the use of a hands-free device or a regular cell phone placed in a hands-free operating mode. However, even if you have a hands-free device you should pull over and place the vehicle in park before using any cell phone. So if the commander calls you, pull off the road to answer the phone. Want further guidance? Read it for yourself in AFI 91-207 AMC Sup 1.
Seatbelts will be worn in all vehicles where there are seatbelts. All persons on and off the installation operating or riding in a motor vehicle must wear a safety belt. This includes all government vehicles and all privately owned vehicles equipped with a seatbelt. This applies to military members, family members, civilians and contractors. If you want to ride instead of walk on this base you better click the belt. Again take a moment and read AFI 91-207 AMC Sup 1. Do you see a trend here?
Military children also play role in the ORI. Parents and guardians must ensure children are properly secured in the vehicle. All drivers on Charleston AFB must comply with the South Carolina State law for child restraints. South Carolina Article 47 requires:
· Children from birth to 1 year old, or who weigh less than 20 pounds, must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat.
· Children 1 through 5 years old weighing 20 to 40 pounds must be restrained in a forward-facing child seat.
· Children 1 through 5 years old weighing 40 to 80 pounds must be secured in a belt-positioning booster seat.
· Children under the age of 6 are not required to be in booster seats if they weigh more than 80 pounds or if they can sit with their backs against the car's seat and bend their legs over the seat edge without slouching.
If in doubt ask, or research the regulation itself. You have a duty and responsibility to know the law and the applicable AFI regarding safety. Remember, ignorantia legis neminem excusat.