Texting while driving -- could be your last

  • Published
  • By James M. Bowman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The minimum amount of time it takes to text someone is five seconds; at 55 mph, in five seconds a car travels the length of a football field.

It's not hard to figure out texting and driving is dangerous. But many people still continue to do it on and off base.

"Even as a cop who sees fatalities, I don't think I will ever get the image of (a) young woman who was mangled and killed in a vehicle accident, just because she felt it was more important to text someone than to pay attention to the road," said Master Sgt. Brandon Wolfgang, 18th Security Forces Squadron flight chief.

Text messaging is reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of short message service or SMS texting, emailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication.

According to Kadena Air Base Instruction 31-204, vehicle operators will not use cellular telephones (including sending and receiving text messages), two-way radios, handheld electronic devices, watch television, or have other similar equipment turned on within their eyesight while operating a motor vehicle. Exception: Emergency response vehicle operators may use two-way radios and other handheld electronic devices required to perform mission functions. Note: Hands-free devices/ear pieces, for use with cellular phones, is authorized.

According to the instruction, if caught texting and driving on Kadena or not using a hands-free device or hands-free operating mode, a driver will receive three points off his or her license and have it suspended for 30 days.

"The bottom line, texting while operating a motor vehicle is a distraction and a dangerous one. It only takes one text to kill someone or yourself," said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Siroin, 18th Wing Safety superintendent.

Kadena members are reminded to be good wingmen, lead by example and think twice before reaching for a hand-held device while driving.