Q: In the last two weeks I have witnessed three near-accidents on Wardleigh Road. These incidents involved a grounds maintenance person driving a riding mower on Wardleigh Road in the hours of darkness with no headlights, brake lights or any lighting at all on one of the mowers. None of the drivers had on any PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) on either, such as helmets. In one of the incidents the individual was driving at about 20 mph in a 40 mph zone during one of the busiest traffic times. Since I previously worked in the base safety office, I know how highly dangerous this situation is and thought it should be brought to your attention.

A: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. The following actions have taken place or will in the very near future. The ground maintenance contractor will be: affixing mandatory “slow moving vehicle” placards on the rear of all tractors and lawn mowing equipment, installing operational lights on all sides of lawn maintenance/mowing equipment, and training personnel on proper operation and safety precautions to take while operating on roadways. Additionally, the contractor personnel will be utilizing alternate, safer routes to access their final destinations when possible.  In the last two weeks I have witnessed three near-accidents on Wardleigh Road. These incidents involved a grounds maintenance person driving a riding mower on Wardleigh Road in the hours of darkness with no headlights, brake lights or any lighting at all on one of the mowers. None of the drivers had on any PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) on either, such as helmets. In one of the incidents the individual was driving at about 20 mph in a 40 mph zone during one of the busiest traffic times. Since I previously worked in the base safety office, I know how highly dangerous this situation is and thought it should be brought to your attention.

A: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. The following actions have taken place or will in the very near future. The ground maintenance contractor will be: affixing mandatory “slow moving vehicle” placards on the rear of all tractors and lawn mowing equipment, installing operational lights on all sides of lawn maintenance/mowing equipment, and training personnel on proper operation and safety precautions to take while operating on roadways. Additionally, the contractor personnel will be utilizing alternate, safer routes to access their final destinations when possible.