Federal employees shall drive, text no more Published Oct. 15, 2009 By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- For federal employees who enjoy sending the occasional text message with their cell phones as they drive the end has arrived. The days of drivers hacking away with their thumbs and sending those all important emails and text messages are over. Thanks to an executive order issued Oct. 1 by President Barack Obama, federal employees are now banned from texting while driving on official business. "With nearly 3 million employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving," President Obama said in the order. Text messaging, or texting, includes more than simply sending a text message from a handheld communication device. It also consists of reading from any handheld or electronic device, obtaining navigational information or engaging in any form of electronic data communication, the order said. With the order, President Obama gave agencies 90 days to implement measures to ensure compliance. The Air Force released an official response only seven days after the order was given, when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley issued a joint memorandum to all Air Force personnel banning the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Additionally, talking on cell phones without the use of a hands free device has been banned on all Air Force installations since May 2007. "We are losing far too many Airmen to private motor vehicle mishaps," General Schwartz and Secretary Donley said in the memorandum. In fiscal year 2008, 47 Airmen were killed in motor vehicle mishaps. This loss of life is nearly eight times the total number of Airmen killed in aviation mishaps including combat operations, during the same time period. The memorandum also called on all Airmen to operate vehicles in a responsible manner and adhere to the regulations outlined in Air Force Instruction 91-207, the Air Force Traffic Safety Program. Failure to comply with this order could mean disciplinary action under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, and could also be considered as misconduct during line of duty determinations, the memorandum said. Audrey Terry, a ground safety manager with the 55th Wing Safety Office, agrees that texting is something that must stop when people are behind the wheel. "Texting while driving is very dangerous even at lower speeds," Ms. Terry said. "Vehicle operators must be observant of surrounding traffic and vehicles at all times." When people text while driving, they're forced to take their eyes off the road which increases the chance of a motor vehicle accident, said Tech. Sgt. Larry Ebell, a ground safety technician with the 55th Wing Safety Office. "According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 5,870 people lost their lives and an estimated 515,000 people were injured in vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers," Sergeant Ebell said. Offutt experienced such an accident in the spring of 2006. A young Airman was texting while driving down SAC Boulevard when he lost control of his car, Ms. Terry said. The car flipped over and landed on its roof after it struck concrete blocks outside of base operations. On that particular day there was no rain, ice or any other hazardous condition present that may have helped cause the accident. "Fortunately, because he was wearing his seatbelt, the only thing injured was his car," Ms. Terry said. Unfortunately, thousands of people die every year because of distracted drivers, something General Schwartz and Secretary Donley said they hope to see an end to in the Air Force. "We cannot tolerate reckless operation of motor vehicles by Air Force personnel," General Schwartz and Secretary Donley said. "Reckless operation may jeopardize the benefits members and beneficiaries receive following a mishap." Equally important, the chief of staff and secretary said, is saving lives and preserving the Air Force's most important asset - "our Airmen." (Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service contributed to this report)