Hang up that cell phone: distracted drivers face consequences

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James E. Roth
  • 66th Security Forces Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  If you drive and talk on a cell phone, be prepared for the consequences.

There is one thing the commander of the 66th Security Forces Squadron would like to make perfectly clear to all base drivers: don't talk on cell phones while driving. Failure to comply will result in fines and/or disciplinary action.

The mission of the 66th Security Forces Squadron is to provide a safe and secure environment for the men and women of Hanscom. Security Forces members are on the lookout every day for people who are driving while talking on their cell phones, and violators will be pulled over. Use of these devices impairs driving and prevents recognition of emergency signals, announcements, other vehicles and human speech.

In accordance with the Department of Defense cell phone policy, the use of cellular or digital telephones while driving a government-owned vehicle anywhere, or while driving a privately owned vehicle on Hanscom, is prohibited.

AFI 31-204 ABW1 states, "The use of cellular/digital telephones while driving a GOV anywhere or while driving a POV on Hanscom Air Force Base is prohibited. The use of 'hands-free' technology is acceptable in a POV so long as it does not interfere with the safe operation of the motor vehicle. The use of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices except for hands-free cellular phones while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited at all times. Personnel who are operating a vehicle must pull out of the roadway and place their vehicle in park before using a cellular/digital phone."

Military will be issued a DD Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket, and base-affiliated civilians will be issued a DD Form 1805, United States District Court Violation Notice, for a violation of this rule. The DD Form 1805 carries a $50 fine and a $25 processing fee. In addition, both military members and civilians also get three points added to their base driving record. The accumulation of 12 points within a one-year period or 18 points within a two-year period will result in suspension of base driving privileges.

Several studies show cell phones are a leading cause of car crashes. It is estimated cell phone distracted drivers are four times more likely to be in a car wreck. According to a Harvard University study, cell phones cause more than 200 deaths and half a million injuries each year. Despite the consequences, some base drivers still break the law.

It is everyone's responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, always paying attention to what you are doing to prevent accidents caused by avoidable distractions such as cell phones. The negative impact caused by these types of accidents and mishaps affect our families, our combat readiness and most importantly, our ability to successfully complete our mission.