Who turned out the lights?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dave Watnemoe
  • 319th Air Base Wing Safety Office
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  When I pulled out of the parking lot and into the path of a dark maroon vehicle with no headlights on this morning, I blurted out an old "Sanford and Son" saying: "Oh no, this is the big one Lamont."

Gone are the beautiful days of summer with warm temperatures and early morning sunrises. We are now in the days of cool weather and driving to work with our headlights on; and soon we will be driving home with them on as well.

I have also noticed that people do not turn their headlights on if it's raining during the day. Making yourself more visible during inclement weather is always a good idea. I have never had anyone tell me they hit another vehicle because it was too visible.

As we drive to and from work, we need to remember that children are also out there -- even in the dark. Keep in mind that like a bright light to moths, school buses attract kids from all directions. Sometimes oblivious to everything around them, children will often be tempted to cross streets and driveways to avoid both being late and having to be driven to school by an angry mom or dad.

Never under any circumstance pass a school bus with its stop arm out. The bus driver is the only person who knows how many children got off the bus and when they are clear of the road.

If your children are still riding their bikes to school, you need to make sure they have working head and tail lights as well as good reflectors.

As we cling to the shrinking amount of daylight and prepare for the extended hours of darkness, we need to keep in mind that we are not equipped with night vision. Ensure you make yourself seen in order to enjoy the bright sunny days of summer again next year.