Save a life: stop illegal, dangerous driving habits while entering base Published Nov. 6, 2008 5th Security Forces Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Getting in the Magic City (main) gate here in the morning can take a long time. In addition to base personnel, the influx of commercial vehicles causes traffic to backup on the highway. Often, the need to close the Minot (south) gate from time to time for mission requirements can make matters worse. Many personnel perform illegal actions by driving past the turn lane and turning directly into the gate from a non-turn lane or driving past the Magic City Gate and performing a dangerous u-turn at Lynch and Immanuel Church to come south toward the gate. Not only are these actions illegal, they are extremely dangerous to all individuals traveling on Highway 83 and have resulted in serious accidents. The 5th Bomb Wing is working with other agencies to find long term solutions to this problem. But all solutions are costly and will involve lengthy construction projects. In the interim, local police will patrol this area and cite violators. In addition, the 5th Security Forces Squadron will be patrolling this area to identify violators and relay this information to the owning unit commander. Safety is paramount and that short wait in line may just save a life. For more information, contact the 5th SFS at 723-4434.