Cell phone restriction still applies on Mountain Home AFB

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Although the state of Idaho doesn't currently have a cell phone ban, use of cell phones, including texting while driving, on Mountain Home Air Force Base, as well as all other military installations, is limited to hands free only.

Cell phone use while driving on any Air Force installation without a hands free device was prohibited in February 2006 as part of the Department of Defense's Joint Traffic Guidance. On Mountain Home AFB, this includes sending text messages while driving.

If in a government owned vehicle, these rules apply both on and off base.

"This is really a cooperative effort for everyone from the base populace to the base leaders," said Karen Rogow, 366th Fighter Wing ground safety manager.

Using a cell phone while driving without a hands-free device is considered a "primary offense," which means violators can be stopped solely for this offense, said Staff Sgt. Christopher Price, 366th Security Forces Squadron NCOIC of confinement and police services.

"All drivers violating the cell phone driving restriction are given a traffic citation and three points will be assessed against their base driving record," said Sergeant Price. "Drivers should be aware that if two or more violations are committed, even on a single occasion, a ticket may be given to the driver for each violation."

"It was recognized at the DoD level that changes were needed in 2006," said Mrs. Rogow. "The winners here really are the Gunfighters. They have more mobility while driving, a greater range of view -- in short, a safer driving environment for all."

Cell phone use while driving facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

· Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be in a crash while using a cell phone.
· There is no difference in the cognitive distraction between hand-held and hands-free devices.
· Cell phone use contributes to an estimated six percent of all crashes, which equates to 636,000 crashes, 330,000 injuries, 12,000 serious injuries and 2,600 deaths each year.
· 80 percent of crashes are related to driver inattention. There are certain activities that may be more dangerous than talking on a cell phone. However, cell phone use occurs more frequently and for longer durations than other, riskier behaviors. Thus, the number one source of driver inattention is cell phones.
· It is estimated that more than 100 million people use cell phones while driving. (CTIA - The Wireless Association reports 270 million cell phone subscribers. A Nationwide Insurance public opinion poll showed 81 percent of the public admit to talking on a cell phone while driving).
· The annual cost of crashes caused by cell phone use is estimated to be $43 billion. Talking to a passenger while driving is significantly safer than talking on a cell phone.