Changes to cell phone policy Published May 14, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Breonna Veal 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Due to an increase of driving accidents across the United States, cell phone usage while driving has new restrictions on Goodfellow and across installations throughout the world. According to Air Force Manual 31-116 paragraphs A3.11.4, A.13, the updated violations and penalties associated with unauthorized cell phone use, as of June 13, 2013 are: First violation: 14-day suspension Second violation: 30-day suspension Third violation: 1-year suspension Three points will be assessed for each cell phone violation. A Department of Defense Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket will be issued to all for unauthorized use of cell phone while driving. Additionally, vehicle operators on a DOD Installation and operators of government owned vehicles shall not talk or text on cell phones unless the vehicle is safely parked or unless they are using a hands-free device. Hands-free devices include dedicated or built in speaker phone devices, wired-single ear bud and wireless ear piece. At no time will devices be in both ears. On Goodfellow, holding the phone and utilizing the built-in speaker phone function does not constitute as using a hands-free device. The wearing of any other portable headphone, earphones, stereo Bluetooth headset or other listening devices that cover both ears while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. While driving among the thousands of pedestrians, it is imperative to ensure their safety and for drivers to keep their attention on the road. Newer vehicles have Bluetooth capabilities and after-market means are available for use as well. Additionally, texting while driving is becoming increasingly more dangerous and deadly to both the vehicle occupants and pedestrians alike. The National Safety Council showed at least 23 percent or 1.6 million traffic accidents involved cell phones and contribute to thousands of deaths each year. DOD component safety guidance does note the potential for driving distractions such as eating and drinking, operating radios, CD players, global positioning equipment, mobile radios and pagers. Whenever possible, these should only be done when the vehicle is safely parked. For more information, refer to AFMAN 31-116 paragraphs A3.11.4, A.13.6 at http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/goodfellowafb/publication/afman31-116_goodfellowafbsup_i/afman31-116_goodfellowafbsup_i.pdf.
