Patience and defensive driving, key to utilizing Washington Circle

Driving through Washington Circle can pose a serious safety challenge for motorists who use the intersection to get around Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

“One of the biggest problems we notice are people who fail to yield the right-of-way when entering the circle, primarily coming from Harmon Drive,” said Richard Coon, 902nd Security Forces Squadron assistant operations officer.

Harmon Drive and four other feeder roads connect into Washington Circle. In Washington Circle, traffic travels one way, counterclockwise. Traffic entering the circle must yield to traffic already in the circle. When entering the circle motorists exiting at the first or second exit should stay in the outside or right lane. If they are exiting at the third or beyond they should use the inside or left lane. If two vehicles are side by side, the vehicle in the outside or right lane has the right-of-way. All vehicles in the circle must signal for turns out of the circle.

“Traffic is one of our biggest concerns, especially when school is in session,” Coon said. “We ask that drivers on base slow down and be patient with other drivers.”

With the new school year starting soon, the safety office reminds motorists to be aware of school buses moving throughout the base and obeying the law and stop when their red lights are flashing and stop signs are posted, signifying the loading and unloading of children.

“We also want motorists to be aware of the children walking to school in the hours of darkness,” said Anthony Lightner, 502^nd Air Base Wing safety and occupational health specialist. “Some children may not use the provided crosswalks and enter the streets from between parked cars. Motorists must be vigilant, always on the lookout for our little people.”