Executive order bans texting while driving

23 Nov 2009 | Samantha Quigley

In an executive order issued Oct. 1, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business.

"With nearly 3 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."

In addition to the ban on texting while driving, 446th Airlift Wing Reservists are reminded that while on McChord, cells phones used while driving must be of the hands-free variety.

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.

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.

"Driver inattention is a leading cause of traffic crashes, responsible for about 80 percent of all collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration," said Senior Master Sgt. Dave Ponce, 446th Airlift Wing ground safety manager. " Cell phones are the number one driver distraction, contributing to hundreds of thousands of crashes and thousands of deaths each year. This affects real people, real lives. Drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in a crash."

Agencies are being directed to implement this order through the consideration of new rules and programs and re-evaluation of existing programs. 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," President Obama said.

"We all hear about this danger all the time, either by briefing or e-mail or some sort of communication," said Sergeant Ponce. "And you can expect to hear even more about through articles, commander's calls and through first sergeants.

"For those of you who have teenagers who drive - are you letting them know of the dangers of cell phone usage while driving?" Sergeant Ponce asks. "The younger generation is more likely to be a little more distracted due to a higher frequency of texting while driving."

Bottom line - it's best to keep the cell phone put away while driving in order to be safe and comply with executive orders, Air Force instructions, and state laws. In Washington state, it is a traffic infraction to send, read, or write a text message while driving. The fine for this infraction is $124. (Sandra Pishner, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this report.)