Lately Hill Air Force Base has had an increase in traffic violations involving pedestrians. Some drivers are not obeying posted speed limits or being observant at cross walks, including not paying attention to or heeding warning lights provided by crosswalk traffic signals (such as the crosswalk west of Building 843). Pedestrians must also ensure their own safety, by being observant when preparing to use crosswalks. With all of this being said it's also the law. Utah Criminal and Traffic Code, section 41-6a-1002, part 1a, 1c, 2, 2a, 2b states:
"When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way by slowing down or stopping if necessary:
- "To a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or
- "When the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
"A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close at to create an immediate hazard.
"The operator of a vehicle approaching a school crosswalk shall come to a complete stop at the school crosswalk if:
- "A school speed limit sign has the warning lights operating, and
- "The crosswalk is occupied by a person."
Violation of these traffic codes will not be taken lightly. The penalty for violating these traffic codes vary from traffic tickets with associated fines, to more severe penalties such as revocation of base driving privileges, suspension of license and in some extreme cases possible jail time.
Last year in 2008, Utah had 275 traffic accident related fatalities and 32 of those fatalities were pedestrians. The 75th Security Forces Squadron as a part of the Team Hill family here on Hill Air Force Base does not want to add to these statistics. The bottom line is 75th SFS wants everyone at Hill AFB to feel safe whether driving or walking.
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