66 SFS looking for distracted drivers Published Sept. 9, 2015 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Members of the 66th Security Forces Squadron are actively looking for anyone talking on their cell phone or texting while operating a motor vehicle on Hanscom AFB. If using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, SFS officials say people will be pulled over and ticketed. Military members will be issued a Department of Defense form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket. Civilian personnel will be issued a DD Form 1805, U.S. District Court Violation Notice, for a violation of the hands-free rule. A civilian violation carries a $50 fine and a $25 processing fee. In accordance with DoD and 66th Air Base Group policy, the use of cellular or digital telephones while driving a government or privately owned vehicle on a military installation is prohibited. The 66th Air Base Group policy states that, "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 [Privately Owned Vehicle] 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." "We want to make sure that our community is safe and secure, ensuring that people adhere to this policy will remain an important issue for our defenders," said Capt. Christopher McNamee, 66th SFS operations officer. In addition to citations, military members and civilians will receive 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 the suspension of base driving privileges. According to The National Safety Council, cell phone-related crashes have increased for three straight years and are involved in 27 percent of all car crashes. The National Safety Council also estimates texting-related crashes increased from 5 percent to 6 percent last year. Throughout New England, many states have passed hands-free laws. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut have hand-held bans. All six New England states have texting bans while operating a vehicle. "Because so many employees at Hanscom don't reside in Massachusetts, it's important that we educate Airmen, both military and civilian, that are new to Hanscom Air Force Base," said McNamee. He went on to say that it is everyone's responsibility to operate a vehicle safely and responsibly. "Always paying attention to what you are doing will help prevent accidents caused by avoidable distractions such as cell phones," said McNamee. "Be a good wingman and engaged supervisor. If you see someone you know using their phone, correct them on it to prevent them from losing their privilege to drive on base."