Driving a safer way Published April 9, 2013 By Senior Airman Samantha Krolikowski 92 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE Wash., -- Each day in the United States, more than nine people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions can endanger the driver, passenger and bystanders. Some types of distracted driving include: texting, using a cell phone, eating and drinking, using a navigation system and adjusting the radio or an MP3 player. There are many distractions, but anyone can be affected by distracted driving. "I wouldn't say there is a certain age group," said Lt. Col. Jeff Wallace, 92 Air Refueling Wing Chief of Safety, "Everybody is vulnerable to distracted driving." Washington bans talking and texting on a cell phone while driving, and if caught a person could pay up to a $124 fine. Drivers who use hand held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. If a driver is pulled over on base for texting or talking on a cell phone, base driving privileges could be taken away. "Our culture is basically one that says you can multitask and do multiple things at one time," said Wallace, "But there should be a cultural shift to make your main focus driving and not multitasking." In addition to each squadron having their own safety representative to relay safety messages, there are other resources for Fairchild to know about how to prevent distracted driving. "There's the internet, the base newspaper and our commanders talking to their younger troops," said Wallace. "And basically taking that information and spreading it through your family, whether it's your kids out driving or your mom and dad." "We are a valuable team here at Fairchild, we are a family, and we can't afford to lose any of our teammates to distracted driving," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "As leaders in our community, we need to set the example. We should all take a stand to be more courteous, more aware and better Wingmen on the road."