Silent miles: Base order prohibits music while running

Some say listening to music while jogging or walking is a great way to relax; however, base officials argue it is distraction and may lead to an accident.

To avoid such an occurrence, Base Order 5560.9D, Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulations, states in part, using listening devices while running, walking, skating, skateboarding, bicycling or even operating a motor vehicle on roads and streets aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany is prohibited.

Additionally, approved reflective vests, bands or other reflective gear must be worn over clothing during times of reduced visibility, before morning colors and after evening colors while jogging or walking.

While cycling on base, it is required to wear helmets approved by the American National Safety Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation.

The bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight or reflector highly visible from the front and at least one red reflector visible from the rear and it must be equipped with a spoke/wheel mounted reflector for increased visibility.

If skating or skateboarding, ANSI approved helmets are required. Although protective gear such as elbow pads, kneepads and wrist guards are not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to use the gear. It is also suggested in the order that skaters and skateboarders wear light colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.

The order excludes hearing aids and does not negate the requirement for hearing protection where conditions dictate their use.

Also excluded are formation runs and running on Perimeter Road, Donnie Baggs, command inspector general, MCLB Albany, said.

“These rules are in place to ensure everyone is safe while they are on the base,” Baggs said.

He said the order was recently reviewed to uncover areas that may increase safety. The review found the current order to be comprehensive enough to maintain a safe         environment. Baggs indicated efforts to enforce the order will be now emphasized.

Lt. Victor Singleton, chief accident investigator, Marine Corps Police Department, MCLB Albany, advised the base order regulations will be strictly enforced by the police.

“Enforcing the base order is not about punishing violators, it is about saving lives,” Singleton said. “We are going to do everything in our power to ensure each person on this base is safe.”