Traffic circles: simple rules ensure safe travels Published July 21, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Joseph D. Gonzales 71st Security Forces Squadron VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In mid August 2007, Vance got its first traffic circles and life changed forever. In the beginning, there were complaints about how much longer it took to get to work and how the traffic circles have no function but to make the base appear more pleasing to the eye. Eventually, everyone went about their daily lives, as if the circles had been there forever. Although most drivers accepted the traffic circles, there was still confusion as to their function. The true reason for the introduction of traffic circles is safety and security of base personnel and resources. The traffic circles provide an additional antiterrorism tool. The circles cause traffic to slow down, reducing the potential for injury to personnel and damage to resources. They also provide the gate guards with extra time in the case of a gate runner to erect the pop up barriers, get out of harm's way, and provide warning to responding patrols. The traffic circles assist in everyday traffic flow by moderating speed, minimizing vehicle accidents and conserving fuel. Traffic circles can also introduce fatal hazards if drivers become too complacent. There are three simple rules to follow while operating in traffic circles on base. Vehicles in the circle have the right of way. This means, when attempting to enter a circle, you must yield or stop at the yield signs for vehicles already in the circle. Failure to yield the right of way could result in a traffic citation or a vehicle accident. Use your turn signals when inside the circle. You have two ways to go. Either turn out of the circle or continue inside the circle. Let incoming traffic know what you plan to do. This will minimize confusion and the possibility of an accident. Failure to use your turn signals could result in a traffic citation or a vehicle accident. Pay attention to vehicles inside, entering and exiting a circle. Confusion and complacency can kill, especially when drivers entering the circle run the yield sign because they are used to vehicles continuing out of the circle. You don't want to become a statistic because you failed to pay attention to your surroundings. Failure to pay attention to your surroundings could result in serious bodily harm or death. Remember, although the traffic circles may add a few seconds to your commute, they do serve a valid function in the safety and security of the base. The traffic circles provide a vital antiterrorism function that keeps our personnel and resources safe. If you abide by the three simple rules, you can drive inside and around the traffic circles with safety and ease. Don't become complacent and do your part in providing a safe and secure work environment at Vance.