UpD8 4 U

  • Published
  • By Samantha L. Quigley
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON --  In an executive order issued last month, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business.

"With nearly three million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving," President Obama said in the order. "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."

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 (Short Message System) 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.

"If caught on base a driver will be issued a United States district court violation notice DD Form 1805 in violation of Utah State Code 41-6a-1716 with the initial fine of $70 not including the $25 processing fee for the first offense," reports Senior Airman Tchaikovsky Crosley, of the 75th Security Forces Squadron. "For the second offense it will be a mandatory court appearance with a fine amount of up to $555," he said.

"(The 75th SFS) knows that this directive has come down from the Department of Defense, and Utah has made it a state law. We as security forces members plan to fully enforce this new directive and law," Crosley 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.

While the order applies specifically to federal employees, it also asks contractors to follow suit, and encourages civilians to adopt the same measures while operating their own vehicles.

"I, personnally, feel safer as a driver knowing that this is being enforced," Crosley said of the security forces policy. "I think it is more dangerous to text and drive than it is to talk and drive."

At the national level, agencies are being directed to implement this order through the consideration of new rules and programs and re-evaluation of existing programs at each federal site. Agency heads are urged to conduct education, awareness and other outreach for federal employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving.

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

Agencies were given 90 days to take appropriate measures to implement this order, adopt measures to ensure compliance with the ban on text messaging -- including disciplinary action for violations -- and notify the transportation secretary of the measures undertaken.

Agency heads may exempt certain employees, devices or vehicles that are engaged in or used for protective, law enforcement or national security responsibilities or on the basis of other emergency conditions, the order says.

Mary Lou Gorny, Hilltop Times editor, contributed some material to this article.