Buckle up, turn off the cell phone and drive the speed limit — doing these three simple things will make Fort Leavenworth a happier, safer place.
According to Maj. Macy Molina, director of Emergency Services, these are the top three reasons the military police write citations.
Unlike some towns that seem to meet their municipal budget needs through speeding tickets and other fines, any fines or court fees paid for citations written on post do not fill the Garrison’s coffers. Instead, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury.
The fines and fees for violations can add up quite quickly. Fines for on-post traffic violations are aligned with those set by the state of Kansas.
For instance, Kansas law requires drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. The fine is $5 per unbuckled person, plus a $25 court fee.
Speeding, too? Tack on another $30 for being 1-10 mph over the speed limit. Plus court costs.
Some may think there is no cost for an on-post cell phone ticket. After all, it’s not a crime to talk on a cell phone while driving in the state of Kansas — yet. Laws against texting while driving are spreading like wildfire and as the cost of distracted driving — such as being distracted by using a cell phone — become more apparent, state and local laws banning the use of phones while driving may be on the horizon.
While Kansas may not currently have a fine for it, talking on a cell phone while driving is a violation of Department of Defense policy and can result in points being assessed on a driver’s license. Multiple citations for using a cell phone could lead to eventual loss of on-post driving privileges.
Molina said more verbal warnings are given out than written warnings or citations.
“Whether or not a driver gets a warning or a ticket is based on safety considerations and the circumstances for the stop,” Molina said.
That does not mean mercy should be expected when one is stopped for weaving like a NASCAR driver through rush-hour traffic on Grant Avenue.
Molina said he sometimes hears complaints about the security personnel at the post’s access control points, but he quickly comes to their defense.
“They are the first line of defense for the post,” he said. “They are following the policies and procedures set by the command. These procedures are in place to protect the safety and security of the community.”
Most people are unaware of the important job the security personnel do, Molina said. Gate guards have identified several wanted felons attempting to enter post. They find unregistered weapons in vehicles almost daily, he said.
They also help motorists who need assistance. For instance, if a vehicle comes to the gate and the children are not properly restrained in car seats, the guards have car seats in various sizes for infants to 4-year-olds they can loan to keep the children safe.
The gate guards also get a lot of grief from motorcyclists trying to enter post, Molina said. The guards don’t have a lot of leeway in this, because the required personal protective gear is specified by Army regulation. Kansas does not require helmets, DOT approved or otherwise, but the Army does. The Army also requires all people riding motorcycles on post to wear goggles, shatterproof glasses or a face shield, over-the-ankle shoes or boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens. The upper garment must be brightly colored for daytime and reflective for night.
Those cyclists who cannot or will not comply will likely be turned away at the gate. Those who cannot or will not comply with the on-post driving rules can expect to be stopped — and if they are lucky, they might get off with a warning. Sometimes it’s just better to be smart than lucky.
Buckle up, shut up and slow down.
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Buckle up, turn off the cell phone and drive the speed limit — doing these three simple things will make Fort Leavenworth a happier, safer place.
According to Maj. Macy Molina, director of Emergency Services, these are the top three reasons the military police write citations.
Unlike some towns that seem to meet their municipal budget needs through speeding tickets and other fines, any fines or court fees paid for citations written on post do not fill the Garrison’s coffers. Instead, the money goes to the U.S. Treasury.
The fines and fees for violations can add up quite quickly. Fines for on-post traffic violations are aligned with those set by the state of Kansas.
For instance, Kansas law requires drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. The fine is $5 per unbuckled person, plus a $25 court fee.
Speeding, too? Tack on another $30 for being 1-10 mph over the speed limit. Plus court costs.
Some may think there is no cost for an on-post cell phone ticket. After all, it’s not a crime to talk on a cell phone while driving in the state of Kansas — yet. Laws against texting while driving are spreading like wildfire and as the cost of distracted driving — such as being distracted by using a cell phone — become more apparent, state and local laws banning the use of phones while driving may be on the horizon.
While Kansas may not currently have a fine for it, talking on a cell phone while driving is a violation of Department of Defense policy and can result in points being assessed on a driver’s license. Multiple citations for using a cell phone could lead to eventual loss of on-post driving privileges.
Molina said more verbal warnings are given out than written warnings or citations.
“Whether or not a driver gets a warning or a ticket is based on safety considerations and the circumstances for the stop,” Molina said.
That does not mean mercy should be expected when one is stopped for weaving like a NASCAR driver through rush-hour traffic on Grant Avenue.
Molina said he sometimes hears complaints about the security personnel at the post’s access control points, but he quickly comes to their defense.
“They are the first line of defense for the post,” he said. “They are following the policies and procedures set by the command. These procedures are in place to protect the safety and security of the community.”
Most people are unaware of the important job the security personnel do, Molina said. Gate guards have identified several wanted felons attempting to enter post. They find unregistered weapons in vehicles almost daily, he said.
They also help motorists who need assistance. For instance, if a vehicle comes to the gate and the children are not properly restrained in car seats, the guards have car seats in various sizes for infants to 4-year-olds they can loan to keep the children safe.
The gate guards also get a lot of grief from motorcyclists trying to enter post, Molina said. The guards don’t have a lot of leeway in this, because the required personal protective gear is specified by Army regulation. Kansas does not require helmets, DOT approved or otherwise, but the Army does. The Army also requires all people riding motorcycles on post to wear goggles, shatterproof glasses or a face shield, over-the-ankle shoes or boots, a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens. The upper garment must be brightly colored for daytime and reflective for night.
Those cyclists who cannot or will not comply will likely be turned away at the gate. Those who cannot or will not comply with the on-post driving rules can expect to be stopped — and if they are lucky, they might get off with a warning. Sometimes it’s just better to be smart than lucky.
Buckle up, shut up and slow down.
