Hands on ten and two

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With distracted driving accounting for nearly one-in-five crashes nationally, several organizations at Dyess have bolstered their attempts to provide the public with information on the use of hands-free devices while driving and to hold violators accountable.

Hands-free devices are any devices which allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times while the vehicle is moving.

According to AFI 91-207, using cell phones, any listening device or other hand-held electronic devices that take attention away from driving is discouraged unless the vehicle is safely parked, off the roadway or they are using a single ear bud or voice-activated hands-free device, where allowed by law.

The 7th Security Forces Squadron is increasing their efforts to minimize the number of drivers on base using unauthorized electronic devices while driving by patrolling more tactical locations.

"We are more proactively watching traffic and looking for the signs of people using cell phones and other devices while driving," said Senior Master Sgt. LouAnna Campbell, 7th Security Forces Squadron. "Our goal is to decrease the number of accidents and even potential accidents that can occur on base."

For drivers at Dyess, the first time you are stopped for using a non-hands-free device while driving, you will receive a 30-day suspension of base driving privileges. After the second violation, driving privileges will be revoked for six months and upon the third, one year.

To stop distracted driving before it can become a major issue, the 7th Bomb Wing Safety office educates and informs as many people as possible of the dangers and consequences of distracted driving through the First Term Airman Center and Right Start brief.

"Our role is to keep everyone safe by mitigating and eliminating risk," said Staff Sgt. Justin McNeese, 7th Bomb Wing, safety office. "When you engage in an activity such as using a cell phone while driving, you are playing a game with people's lives. The question you need to ask yourself is, whose life are you willing to play chance with."

Above all however, it is an Airman's duty to hold themselves and others around them accountable for their actions.

To report driving violations on base, call the 7th SFS at 325-696-2131. For more information regarding driving with hands-free devices, call the Safety office at 325-696-5576.