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Sheppard enforces "no texting while driving order"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  President Barack Obama recently signed an executive order stating text messaging is responsible for death and injury resulting from car collisions.  In an effort to fight these increasing numbers, Executive Order:  Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving, went into effect Oct. 1. 

Sheppard has already begun its process of enforcing this order. 

According to Section 1 of the order, "With nearly three million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving."

 Tech. Sgt. Christopher McDonald, 82nd Training Wing ground safety technician, said he hopes this order will save lives. 

"Reports have proven that texting while driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. By prohibiting it, hopefully we can get those report numbers down," he said. 

Sergeant McDonald said texting while driving is dangerous for a number of reasons listed in the executive order. 

The document states that recent deadly crashes involving drivers distracted by text messaging while behind the wheel highlight a growing danger on our roads. Text messaging causes the drivers to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off of the steering wheel, endangering both themselves and others. 

The order is not only meant to impact federal employees, but other drivers as well. 

According to 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. 

Sheppard has quickly started taking necessary steps to implement the executive order using announcements, briefings and other means.

"We have set up surveillance cameras to monitor when someone texts while driving," Sergeant McDonald said. "We also try to raise awareness of the new order and the dangers that come with texting while you're driving.