Cops' corner--new gate, new changes

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Steven Dietz
  • 71st Security Forces Squadron
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Vance strengthened its force protection stance Friday with the opening of the new Hairston Gate and Visitors Center complex on Gott Road. 

In numerous ways, these facilities and those who operate them will better serve those who live and work on Vance. With anything that is new, there will be a period of adjustment and the cooperation of the base populace is appreciated. 

Along with the opening of the new Visitors Center comes a new phone number. If someone wishes to sponsor a guest onto base, call 213-5528. The guard who answers will gladly take the sponsor's information, as well as that of their guests. Also, there is a new speed limit once a driver enters the northern portion of base. The speed limit is a posted 25 miles per hour. 

The traffic circles, or roundabouts, are also new to many people. Vehicles exiting the roundabout must signal their intention to exit. Also, drivers are reminded vehicles entering the traffic circle must yield to vehicles already in the circle. Drivers must exercise caution at all times and render the right of way. 

Drivers should also be aware that the speed limit on Gott Road between Southgate Road and the base fence line is 30 miles per hour as directed by the City of Enid. Drivers must be aware that following to closely, more commonly know as tailgating, is just as dangerous as speeding. If a vehicle is doing the speed limit, closing in as close as three feet will not make the driver doing the speed limit travel faster. 

The common rule of thumb is the two second rule. 

Once the car in front passes an object, the following car driver should count, "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." If the following car driver passes the same object before her or she stops counting, then the car is too close and needs to slow down. Those who are caught tailgating may risk being stopped and possibly fined. 

Vance is entering a time of change with the new gate, including encompassing Eisenhower Elementary within the fence line and future projects for the new West/Industrial Gate. With the cooperation of everyone these changes can be positive for everyone.