'Distracted driving' is a choice with consequences Published March 26, 2010 By By Aletha Frost AFDW/PA Air Force District of Washigton -- The use of electronic hand-helds and communication devices while driving is illegal on all Department of Defense installations, Washington D.C. and many states. Driving while using electronic hand-held devices is a distraction and safety hazard to drivers. "Air Force personnel must remain focused when they are behind the wheel of a vehicle," said Mr. Mark Allen, Air Force District of Washington director of Security Forces. According to DoDI 6055.04 DoD, Traffic Safety Program and AFI 91-207 The USAF Traffic Safety Program, vehicle operators on an Air Force installation and operators of government owned, leased, or rented vehicles, on or off an Air Force installation, shall not use cell phones while the vehicle is in operation, except when using a hands-free device or hands-free operating mode. When possible, vehicle operators should pull over and place the vehicle in park before using any cell phone. The consequences of driving while distracted include traffic citations, fines, injury and death. Violators are subject to citations, fines and points on their driving record. The 11th Wing, Bolling AFB, Washington D.C., and the 316th Wing, Andrews AFB, Md., must also adhere to AFI 31-204, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision guidance. Each has different policies on the use of hand-held electronic devices due to state and local jurisdictions rules. Bolling will actually charge military members fines as well as having points assessed on their driving records. Andrews only assesses points for military members; however civilians on both bases are fined and points assessed. For more information and guidance for 11th Wing personnel view AFI 31-204; 11WGSI Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision. Information and guidance for personnel assigned to Andrews and AFDW can be found in AFI 31-204, Andrews Sup.1 Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision. These policies apply to all drivers on Andrews to include dependents, contractors and visitors performing business on the installation. In an executive order issued Oct. 1, 2009, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business. "With nearly 3 million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving," President Obama said in the order. "A federal government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for state and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers." Text messaging, or "texting," encompasses more than simply sending a text message via a handheld communication device. It also includes reading from any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or "engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication," the order said. The order defines driving as "operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running." This includes the time the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign or other cause. "It does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary," President Obama said in the order. While the order applies specifically to federal employees, it also asks contractors to follow suit, and encourages civilians to adopt the same measures while operating their own vehicles. A driver's first responsibility is to pay attention to the road and the welfare of others who could be put in harm's way by inattentive driving. "You never know when that person in front of you will slam on their brakes or when a child will run in front of your vehicle chasing a runaway ball," said Mr. Allen. "Both events could lead to tragic consequences. So pay attention. A vehicle can be a deadly weapon." The bottom line: Electronic hand-held devices are distractions to drivers and pose a safety hazard to motorists and pedestrians.