WASHINGTON –
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."
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.
Charleston AFB leadership fully supports this ban.
"Our nation's leadership has made it clear they understand the great risk to the safety of all posed by drivers talking on cell phones or text messaging while driving," said Lt. Col. Chris Callis, 437th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Studies bear out that talking on a cell phone or texting while driving can impair a driver's abilities as much as being intoxicated behind the wheel. In some cases as impaired as twice the legal blood alcohol content limit."
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.
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.
Colonel Callis said security forces personnel will begin citing drivers who are found to be in violation of the cell phone policy and new texting policy while on Charleston AFB.
"Please keep in mind; once you turn off of Dorchester Road to enter the main gate, or are on Arthur Extension prior to entering the Rivers Gate, you are on base property."
Agencies have 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 which are engaged in or used for protective, law enforcement or national security responsibilities or on the basis of other emergency conditions, the order says.
"The 437 SFS encourages all Charleston AFB military, civilian, dependents and contractors to show consideration for the safety of others, on or off base, by refraining from talking on a cell phone or text messaging while driving," said Colonel Callis.
Trisha Gallaway, 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.