Moody reinforces Executive Order banning texting while driving for federal employees

  • Published
  • By Samantha L. Quigley
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON --  With President Barack Obama's recently-issued executive order, Moody officials are enforcing the ban on text messaging while behind the wheel on government business.

Base agencies including the 23rd Security Forces Squadron and the safety office are being directed to implement this order through the consideration of new programs and re-evaluation of existing programs.

"The 'no texting while driving' rule is already covered by the current cell phone use policy," said Chief Master Sgt. Dawna Cnota, 23rd SFS superintendent. "Cell phones are only allowed to be used while driving if it's in the hands-free mode. Texting on the phone would be a violation of this rule because it requires the use of our hands. Whether you're texting or talking while driving, it's all illegal."

If a person violates the law while conducting official business duties on or off-base, disciplinary action will be taken.

"Texting while driving has been illegal on Air Force bases for many years," said Bert Stamm, 23rd Wing chief of ground safety. "Now the law applies off-base as well, so if an individual is caught doing this in an official capacity, the punishment can be as severe as an Article 15."

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.

Texting combined with driving puts the lives of the driver, passengers and other drivers on the road in danger, which is a risk Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, 23rd WG command chief master sergeant agrees, should never be taken.

"'Intextication' is the cause of many accidents and puts our most valuable resources, our Airmen, at risk," said the chief. "We must ask ourselves, 'Is this text more important than the lives I am putting at risk?' The answer to that question should always be NO."

While the order applies specifically to individuals who work for the government, it also asks contractors to follow suit, and encourages civilians to adopt the same measures while operating their own vehicles.

According to an article in PC Magazine, text messaging while driving claimed the lives of 6,000 people last year.

Moody officials are aware of these dangers and are currently in the process of developing ways to further educate on base policies and promote awareness of the safety risks associated with texting while driving.

"These initiatives should encourage compliance with the agency's text messaging policy while off duty," President Obama said. "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."

(Senior Airman Frances Locquiao, 23rd Wing Public Affairs, added information to this article.)