Keep your eyes on the road

Published May 4, 2017
By Senior Airman Justine Rho
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- When driving a vehicle, even a couple seconds of distraction from the road can lead to fines, points on a driving record, loss of license and harm to the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists. With such serious repercussions, it seems obvious for drivers to wait to answer that text message or phone call.

The U.K. Department for Transport website states that it is illegal to use mobile phones while driving or riding a motorcycle, unless using hands-free access such as voice command or bluetooth access. Additionally, base personnel must abide by installation driving laws enforced by the 100th Security Forces Squadron.

“It’s pretty obvious when a driver is not paying attention to the road – it’s similar to someone driving intoxicated,” said Airman 1st Class Daniel McCready, 100th SFS defender. “There are so many people walking around base and distracted driving is a hazard to pedestrians and everyone else on the road.”

According to Mildenhall Instruction 31-218, Air Force Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, the 100th Mission Support Group commander, or designated representatives, will suspend driving privileges for personnel caught texting, talking or operating a handheld device while driving. The first violation will result in a seven-day driving suspension, the second violation receives a 14-day suspension and a third violation means a 30-day driving suspension.

As guests in a host nation, base personnel must also abide by U.K. laws. Recent changes to punishments for driving violations underline the emphasis in deterring drivers from using mobile devices while operating vehicles.

Implemented March 1, 2017, U.K. punishments for mobile phone use while driving off base has become more severe. The penalty for illegally using a mobile device while driving has doubled to a £200 fine and six points on the offender’s license. If the case is brought to court, violators could face license disqualification and up to a £1,000 fine.

Though base personnel don’t possess British licenses, law violations will result in points against their 3rd Air Force driver’s license. Which in turn, can still result in the loss of driving privileges.

“Answering or sending a text is not worth the risk,” said McCready. “It’s getting harder and harder to get people to put aside their phones. But choosing whether or not to use a device while driving shouldn’t be a question at all.”