No texting while driving for federal workers

In an executive order issued recently, President Barack Obama banned federal employees from text messaging while behind the wheel on government business.
“With nearly 3 million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving,” Obama said in 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.”
Although text messaging, or “texting” is has been prohibited by many states and military installations, the Executive Order gives specific guidance for the entire federal workforce - military and civilian - and is not limited by geographic boundaries.
According to the Executive Order, texting encompasses more than simply sending a text message via a handheld communication device.
It also includes reading from any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, getting navigational information, or “engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication,” the Executive Order said.
The order defines driving as “operating a motor vehicle on an active roadway with the motor running.” This includes the time the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic light or stop sign or other cause.
“It does not include operating a motor vehicle with or without the motor running when one has pulled over to the side of, or off, an active roadway and has halted in a location where one can safely remain stationary,” Obama said in the order.
While the order applies specifically to federal employees, it also asks contractors to follow suit, and encourages civilians to adopt the same measures while operating their own vehicles.
Agencies are being directed to implement this order through the consideration of new rules and programs and re-evaluation of existing programs. Agency heads are urged to conduct education, awareness and other outreach for federal employees about the safety risks associated with texting while driving.
“These initiatives should encourage compliance with the agency’s text-messaging policy while off duty,” Obama said.
Agencies have 90 days to take appropriate measures to implement this order, adopt measures to ensure compliance with the ban on text messaging - including disciplinary action for violations - and notify the transportation secretary of the measures undertaken.
Agency heads may exempt certain employees, devices or vehicles that are engaged in or used for protective, law enforcement or national security responsibilities or on the basis of other emergency conditions, the order says.
In addition to the Executive Order, Belvoir employees also must abide by the Virginia state law prohibiting text messaging while driving.
According to Timothy Wolfe, Fort Belvoir’s chief of police, for traffic offenses and some criminal offenses, Belvoir assimilates Virginia law, meaning that it enforces the laws as written in the state of Virginia.
On July 1, Virginia signed into law a ban on sending or reading text messages.
The Virginia law is punishable by a fine of $20.00 for the first offense and $50.00 for additional infractions up to $2,500. Depending on the situation, a violator can receive up to six points on his or license or have the license suspended.
The state law makes texting a secondary offense, meaning that a primary offense - speeding, weaving in lanes, failing to use turn signals, etc. - must be observed before a traffic stop can be initiated.
However, Wolfe said Belvoir Police are authorized to make a traffic stop if they see a driver using a cell phone without a hands free device.
Wolfe added, drivers need to understand that “inattentive driving,” for example, looking down for reading or texting while operating a vehicle can also be charged under the Reckless Driving Statute.
“There have been several, very serious accidents in Virginia directly related to use of cell phones and texting while driving. A recent one in Roanoke, Va., actually had the texting driver plow into a group of people waiting for a bus, severely injuring several people,” Wolfe said.