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With the winter months approaching, Airmen are encouraged to take the appropriate precautions at work and at home.
There are no specific dates for the winter months; however, the recognized months here in Germany are from October to April.
“The first and most important thing is to slow down when driving and walking,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Little, 86th Airlift Wing Safety Office ground safety technician. “Slowing down is the first key step. You want to make sure you give yourself ample time to get to your destination.”
Service members on Ramstein and Vogelweh have the current road conditions posted at the gates and at their disposal on the Ramstein Web page. Service members should be checking these conditions constantly.
“Everyone should listen to (Armed Forces Network), check Facebook and look at the weather before they try to go anywhere,” Little said. “They need to stay updated and keep their shops updated so they know what applies to them specifically.”
The safety office will also push out additional information to unit safety representatives and use various outlets to get the word out as much as possible, added Staff Sgt. John Paul Diaz, 86th AW Safety Office ground safety technician.
Everyone is susceptible to the host nation laws in Germany, which include the winter driving laws. Some of these laws include the following:
• When the road is slippery due to snow, ice, slush or frost, the vehicle must have at least all-season tires meeting the European Union directive.
• Drivers are required to have anti-freeze solution in the windshield wiper fluid when winter weather threatens to freeze the fluid.
• Unnecessary car idling is prohibited under state and local environmental and noise laws as well as traffic law.
• Peephole driving is also prohibited. All motorists are responsible for clearing the entire windshield and making sure their view of the road is not being obstructed. This means the front, rear and side windows must be completely cleared of snow and ice.
“Car windows have to be completely defrosted and clear of any snow and ice,” Little said. “People who try to ‘peephole’ drive or have sheets of ice fly off of their cars are subject to a variety of penalties and fines.”
Along with the personal responsibility of winter safety, units have to take preventative measures.
“All shops have to shovel the sidewalks and entryways of their facilities to prevent mishaps,” Little said. “Every wing has someone qualified as a unit safety representative, and Airmen should contact them for shop specific information.”
Units should also be salting the ground to prevent ice from sticking. Each organization should contact their safety representative to get a full list of what is expected of the respective shops. For more information, call 480-SAFE (7233) or 06371-47-7233.
