Cell phone restriction still applies on Mountain Home AFB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 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 on Mountain Home Air Force Base, as well as all other military installations, is limited to hands free only.

Since Feb. 27, 2006, drivers are not allowed to talk on their cell phones while driving on Air Force installations without a hands free device. This policy is part of the Department of Defense's Joint Traffic Guidance.

This restriction also applies to all government owned vehicles, or GOVs, at all times. No GOV drivers are permitted to talk on a cell phone while driving without a hands-free device on or 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.

Joint Traffic Regulation, Air Force Instruction 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, currently restricts the use of cell phones while driving. Only cell phones with hands-free devices are allowed for use by drivers.

The Defense Department's joint traffic document states:

"Vehicle operators on a DoD installation and operators of government owned vehicles shall not use cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or unless they are using a hands-free device.

"The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones or other listening devices (except for hand-free cellular phones) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of those devices impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, the approach of vehicles, and human speech. DoD component safety guidance should note the potential for driver distractions such as eating and drinking, operating radios, CD players, global positioning equipment, etc. Whenever possible this should only be done when the vehicle is safely parked."

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."

"In the last year, we have pulled over nearly 70 drivers on base for violating this law," said Sergeant Price.

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.