Tickets for drivers not using hands-free

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tiffany Low
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Effective Feb. 27, individuals who use a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving on base may be pulled over. 

According to the Joint Traffic Regulation, AFI 31-218 (I), Para 4-2c (3), vehicle operators on a Department of Defense 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 change was driven by studies involving the use of cell phones while driving and the distractions related to phone use,” said Mr. Noel Fagan, 60th Air Mobility Wing ground/weapons safety manager. 

“Too often drivers are not paying attention to their surroundings while driving because they’re talking on their cell phone. [The new regulation] will help drivers be more aware,” said 1st Lt. Vincent Heitman, 60th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. 

According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society journal, cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year. 

Within this survey, drivers talking on cell phones reacted 18 percent slower to brake lights; though on average, they kept a 12 percent greater following distance. These same drivers also took 17 percent longer to regain the speed they lost when they braked. 

“These numbers show the importance of a hands-free device while driving and any accidents that can be avoided are a benefit to the Travis Team and the greater Travis community,” said Lieutenant Heitman. 

“[While] talking on the cell phone with or without a hands-free device is a distraction for vehicle operators, use of a hands-free device will provide some benefits as folks will have both hands free for driving the vehicle,” said Mr. Fagan. 

“If they are not concentrating on holding the phone and talking at the same time, some of that [attention] will be refocused on driving and observing other drivers,” he added. 

To ensure safer streets for all Travis drivers, the 60th SFS will soon implement the new regulation and issue tickets for violators. 

Violators stopped for this offense could receive three points on their base driving record for each offense. Drivers who receive 12 points on their base driving record will have their driving privileges suspended for 60 days. If violation continues, base driving privileges may be revoked beyond 60 days. 

In addition, the commanders and first sergeants of military violators will also be notified of their failure to comply with the regulation. 

The effective date applies to all DoD installations. 

[Senior Airman Robert Teames, 60th SFS installation security constable, contributed to this article.]