FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- As a reminder to all base personnel, Fairchild's supplement to AFI 31-204 prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a moving vehicle unless the vehicle operator is using a hands-free device. 

While using the hands-free device, the driver must be able to hear emergency signals.
Emergency responders, commanders and first sergeants responding to an incident are the only exception to this regulation. 

If a government vehicle is in motion, the vehicle operator's use of a cell phone is not authorized. 

This is a primary offense, meaning a traffic stop could result from disregarding this instruction. A citation may be issued, along with three points against the violator's on-base driving record. 

Master Sgt. Hollis Severns of the 92nd Security Forces Squadron said approximately 15 to 20 percent of accidents on base are associated with the use of cell phones. 

"If you look at statistics nationwide, cell phones play a large part in driving accidents," he said. This requirement is a very good thing. 

Compliance with this regulation will likely enhance the safety of our drivers on base.