Texting, talking on phone while driving means no more 'LOL'ing any time soon

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  In today's world, with technology easily accessible, it seems one can't go anywhere without being, or seeing others, on a cell phone or electronic device of some kind.

One common use for this seems to be to relieve the boredom of the journey when driving home, to work, or heading out for the evening. With a cell phone close at hand, it's an easy temptation to text a spouse, check social media page updates or call a friend.

Passing it off as multi-tasking, every now and then a driver might glance up, vaguely checking the road, before continuing to type that oh-so-important text, or make that, "Hey, so what are we doing this weekend?" call. Then, glancing up once more, there's the sudden realization the car is actually on the wrong side of the road and there's another vehicle heading straight for the now-attentive driver, flashing its lights and sounding its horn.

Best case scenario, the driver is able to make it back over to the right side of the road unscathed; worst case, ending up severely injuring - or possibly killing - oneself or an innocent driver or passenger, all because someone felt the need to use their phone when driving.

Those lucky enough to make the best-case scenario, but getting caught, can expect to end up with a hefty fine and possibly lose their driving license.

Studies show that reaction times of drivers using cell phones were recorded as being 30 percent slower than someone who was over the drink-driving limit, and 50 percent slower than someone driving normally with no distractions, according to www.think.direct.gov.uk and www.nopenaltypoints.co.uk.

The bottom line is, don't do it. There's no text or phone call worth making or receiving that's worth risking anyone's life.

Texting and talking on the phone while driving are huge distractions, and it's been proven that a person is four times more likely to crash if using a cell phone when at the wheel.

It's illegal under U.K. law, whether on base or off base, to text or talk on a cell phone (while holding it) or similar hand-held device.

A "hand-held device" is defined as something that is or must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call, or performing any other interactive communication function, according to the website, www.driving-law.co.uk.

"Texting is a separate offence to talking on a cell phone while driving," said Police Constable Paul Glover, Defence Community Police Officer from Selby, Yorkshire. "If caught texting, you can be charged with dangerous driving, which can result in a two-year prison sentence."

If absolutely necessary to make or receive calls while driving, use a hands-free device. While it is legal to push buttons, such as on a steering wheel control column, it is illegal to hold the phone while driving so ensure it's placed in a holder attached to the dashboard and can be operated remotely.

However, it's wise to remember that if stopped for driving in a poor or careless manner and the police discover the driver was using a hands-free cell phone, that person can still be prosecuted for not having proper control of the vehicle and the penalty is the same as it is for using a hand-held phone while driving: a £60 fine and three penalty points on the driver's license.

Although most Americans stationed here, whether military, civilian or dependents, don't have a British driving license - as under the Status of Forces Agreement, the authorized driving permit for the U.K. is the 3rd Air Force license - they can still be charged with the offence.

"If any points are received in the U.K. - such as for a speeding ticket or texting while driving - by U.S. military or civilian members or their families, the (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency) generates a ghost license for that them, and points are generated on it," said Glover. "It's held by the DVLA, and if 12 or more points are generated during the time that person is stationed here, they will lose their 3rd Air Force license and driving privileges for up to two years, which means you won't be able to drive in the U.K. at all during that time."

"The 3rd Air Force license has a unique reference number on it, specific to each person, so the British police can use that number to notify the relevant agencies on base, such as the 100th Security Forces Squadron and 100th Air Refueling Wing Legal Office," the Ministry of Defence police officer said. "Those agencies can then pull the permit if necessary."

Glover explained that cell phone records can be used as evidence to prove the driver was on the phone - either texting or talking without being hands-free - to prove the driver was distracted at the time, if involved in an accident.

"This could lead to more points on your license, bigger fines, and a prison sentence," he said.

So get in the mindset that just because the phone rings or beeps in the car, doesn't mean it has to be answered! Leave it ringing and don't call the person back until no longer driving, whether that means pulling over safely or finishing the journey first.

The only exception to this is for anyone genuinely in an emergency situation where it would be unsafe to stop. In this case only, it is acceptable to call the British emergency services on 999 or 112 while driving.

It's also illegal to use a hand-held cell phone when driving on the road, when either stopped at traffic lights, or stuck in a traffic jam, according to www.think.direct.gov, as all these situations are covered by the legal definition of "driving on the road."

So, next time - and every time - when driving, put the phone out of sight, either in the glove compartment, center console or purse, or put it on silent so it won't cause a distraction. See spouses or call friends after arriving home, when it's safe to text, "hash tag" or update social media statuses to the heart's content.