United States Air Force Academy

Driving on the Air Force Academy

Roads on the Air Force Academy can pose unique challenges due to rapidly changing weather, increased traffic during sports events and unpredictable wildlife. Speeding is the leading cause of accidents on base -- speed limits on the Academy are 45 mph unless otherwise posted.

Intersections on the Academy with high accident rates include Stadium Boulevard and North Gate Boulevard, Stadium Boulevard and Academy Drive, and Stadium Boulevard and Pine Drive. The 10th Security Forces Squadron encourages drivers to practice extra caution at these intersections.

Why did the deer cross the road?

Wildlife such as deer, turkey, elk and bears commonly visit Academy roadwways. Drivers must also share the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers and other recreational enthusiasts.

Snow and ice are common on the Academy. During winter weather conditions, speed limits on base are reduced to 35 mph (or 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit). The Academy may close some roads due to snowfall -- do not attempt to go around closed gates! In addition to receiving a hefty fine, you jeopardize your own safety and risk losing on-base driving privileges.

Sports events, notably football games at Falcon Stadium, jam streets on the Academy. If you're attending a football game, arrive early. If not, please wait to visit until after the game.

TRAFFIC LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The Air Force Academy enforces Colorado state traffic laws in accordance with Title 18, Section 13 of the United States Code. The 10th SFS takes a serious stand against drivers who violate traffic laws and regulations. If you violate any law or regulation while driving on the Academy, you may be issued a citation and/or a summons to federal court. You may also face fines and loss of on-base driving privileges.

-- Cell phones are prohibited while driving on the Air Force Academy or other Department of Defense installations. If you must use your cell phone while in your car, pull over or use a hands-free device.

-- Radar detectors are strictly prohibited on DOD installations.

-- Colorado state law requires all drivers to yield to emergency vehicles displaying emergency lights or sirens. When an emergency vehicle approaches you, the law requires you to pull as far right as is reasonably possible and stop. This applies for emergency vehicles approaching from any direction.

Drivers must also yield to emergency vehicles that are stopped and displaying emergency lights. The "move over" law requires drivers to reduce speeds and give the emergency vehicle as much clearance as is reasonably possible. Failure to abide by this law can result in a citation for careless driving, which is a six-point driving violation and requires a court appearance.

For more information about driving in Colorado, visit the Colorado Department of Transportation Web site.

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