News>SF launches traffic enforcement against distracted driving
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Drivers caught talking on their unauthorized cell phones will be cited by the 82nd Security Forces Squadron via the DD Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket. The 82nd SFS launched a traffic enforcement campaign at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2013, aimed at catching distracted drivers in the act on the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Hawkins)
Tech. Sgt.Larry O'Rear (far left), 82nd Security Forces Squadron, briefs Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, 82nd Training Wing commander, on the procedures for pulling over drivers caught talking on their unauthorized cell phones along Ave. E at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2013. The 82nd SFS launched a traffic enforcement campaign aimed at catching distracted drivers in the act on the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Hawkins)
A member of the 82nd Security Forces Squadron looks for violators using unauthorized cell phones along Ave. D on Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2013. The 82nd SFS launched a traffic enforcement campaign aimed at catching distracted drivers in the act on the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Hawkins)
by Senior Airman Codey Barber
82nd Security Forces Squadron
2/12/2013 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In an effort to curb distracted driving, one of the leading factors in accidents resulting in serious injury or death, the 82nd Security Forces Squadron began a traffic enforcement campaign Feb. 12 to catch violators in the act.
With the high numbers of Airmen-in-Training on Sheppard, the number of pedestrians walking around the installation on a daily basis is high. With that said, a distracted driver poses a huge threat to have an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
Due to an increase in unauthorized cell phone use around the entire base, the 82nd SFS has implemented random traffic enforcement measures specifically looking for this violation, resulting in citations to violators in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-218, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision.
Other violations such as not wearing a seatbelt or speeding will also be cited.
"We are just enforcing the rules that are already in place," said Maj. Robert Moore, 82nd SFS commander. "We are putting more people out on the streets to ensure the base streets are safe for everyone."
In line with the enforcement of this violation, Security Forces members may cite violators if stopped for a violation. If stopped, please remain calm and do as the officer requests. Enforcing base instructions and traffic codes ensures a safe place to live, work and play.
If issued a citation for driving while using an unauthorized cell phone, violators will receive three points against their base driving record. Any combination of six points on your base driving record over a single 30-day period can result in the violator losing their base driving privileges for 30 days.
Personnel who receive traffic citations totaling 12 points in the span of one year can lose their base driving priliveges for one year.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one in four crashed vehicles are due to distracted driving, and according to the National Safety Council, it is estimated that at least 1.6 million crashes in 2011 were caused by drivers using cell phones. So as you can see, cell phone use while driving has become a major cause of vehicle accidents.
Please be aware of the rules, regulations and instructions for driving. Signs are posted at all base gates forewarning drivers of the illegal uses of cell phones while driving.
If operating a motor vehicle, use a hands-free device to conduct your phone calls. If you are unable to use a hands-free device, find a safe place to park and use your cell phone. Additionally, wearing earphones while driving is prohibited.
If you have questions regarding traffic laws on Sheppard, contact Master Sgt. Christopher Padron at 676-6101.
