Cell phone use while driving may be costly

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Any driver seen by security forces texting or talking on their cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on base will receive a traffic violation, according to the 66th Security Forces Squadron.

Military members will receive a Department of Defense Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket. Civilian personnel will receive 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 $30 processing fee.

"We want to make sure that our community remains safe and secure and ensuring that all drivers adhere to this hands-free policy is an important issue for each of our defenders," said Maj. Joseph Bincarousky, 66 SFS commander.

Bincarousky noted that the 66th Air Base Group policy states that, "The use of cellular/digital telephones while driving a GOV [government owned vehicle] anywhere or while driving a POV [privately owned vehicle] 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."

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.

“Because of the diverse workforce at Hanscom, it’s important that we continue to educate all military, civilian and contractor personnel who are new to the installation,” said Bincarousky.

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.

The National Safety Council estimates that texting-related crashes are on the rise.

"Always paying attention to what you are doing while operating a vehicle is paramount to the safety of all," said Galen Williams, 66 ABG Safety director. "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."