New cell phone policy goes into effect

  • Published
  • By Deborah Leuthold
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke security forces will issue warnings to drivers in violation of the new Department of Defense policy restricting the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving on DOD installations. 

The recently released DOD instruction makes it a moving violation to use a cell phone while driving on any military installation. The cell phone restriction at Luke applies not only to military members, but to anyone coming on base whether assigned to the installation, a one-time visitor or a guest.

Signs went up at each gate March 13 to inform those entering the installation that the policy is in effect. However, there is a 30-day grace period before tickets will be issued.

The grace period gives security forces, commanders and supervisors time to get the word out to the base community.

Studies show that the use of cell phones while driving is a distraction that can lead to accidents, according to Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing ground safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 25 percent of all crashes involve some form of driver distraction. Distractions occur when drivers concentrate on something other than operating their vehicles -- such as engaging in cell phone conversations. A recent NHTSA survey found that nearly 75 percent of drivers reported using their phone while driving, and an estimated 60 percent of cell pone use takes place behind the wheel.

"The Air Force has always led the way in creating a culture of safety," Mr. Bruce said. "Back in the 1980s, we required our Airmen to wear seatbelts on base with the hope they would wear them off base as well. We succeeded and have a 95-percent seatbelt usage rate among Airmen. We hope the result of implementing this new Air Force Instruction will be as successful on and off base."

A joint service instruction prohibited the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, effective Feb. 27. The instruction states vehicle operators on a DOD installation and operators of government-owned vehicles on or off base are prohibited from the use of cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or they are using a hands-free device.

The instruction further explains the wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones or other listening devices while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of those devices impairs driving by masking or preventing recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, approaching vehicles and human speech.

"You may talk on a cell phone if you have a hands-free device in your car or if you have an ear piece," Mr. Bruce said. "But you can't drive down the road holding a cell phone to your ear."

During the 30-day grace period, Luke vehicle operators will be subject to courtesy reminders by security forces. Security Forces Defenders will also stop people driving on base and advise them that talking on the phone is a driving violation. After the 30-day period, drivers will be ticketed.

Offenses will be classified as moving violations. The use of cell phones while driving is not a violation of the law in the state of Arizona. This restriction applies only when driving on base, or off base in a government-owned vehicle. 

However, base safety officials strongly encourage Luke people to stay off their cell phones regardless of whether they are driving on or off base.

"Although it is not illegal in Arizona to drive while using a cell phone, it is unsafe," Mr. Bruce said. "The number one killer of Airmen is vehicle accidents."

Mr. Bruce advises that if it's necessary to talk on the phone, pull over to the side of the road. 

"While driving, avoid any activity that decreases focus on the task at hand, stay alert and keep both hands on the wheel," he said.