Cover your dome, so you make it home

For Team MacDill, the safety of the children who live, play and attend school on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is a top priority. So, regulations are in place to ensure their safety remains uncompromised.

Specifically, there are MacDill Air Force Base Instructions (MAFBI) that provide guidelines for everyone to follow to maintain their own safety.

When riding bicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, rollerblades, etc., parents and guardians must wear, and ensure their children are wearing, the proper protective equipment.

"I cannot stress wearing a helmet enough; it will save your life or your child's life,” said Staff Sgt. Lindsay May, NCO in charge of police services assigned to the 6th Security Forces Squadron. “It is better to be safe than sorry.”

According to MAFBI 31-116 4.9. Bicycles, Roller Blades, Scooters, and Other Manually Operated Vehicles, operators of manually operated vehicles must wear an approved helmet. Make sure the helmet is well-fitted and adjusted properly. It should sit level on the head, with no movement forward or backwards.

Along with a helmet, there are other precautions everyone must take to maintain their safety.

While riding a bicycle, wearing headphones, ear phones, earplugs, or any other listening device is not allowed. Just like with operating a motor vehicle on base, talking or texting on a cellphone is prohibited as well. This ensures that full awareness is maintained at all times.

During hours of darkness, make sure to wear bright and colorful clothing. When riding a bicycle, ensure it’s equipped with working headlights and taillights or approved reflectors. It’s not just important to remain aware of your surroundings, but to be visible as well.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to strap on protective equipment before ever operating a manually-operated vehicle. Take the necessary precautions so you can reduce your, or your child’s, chances of bodily harm and have a safe and fun riding experience.