DoD Bases on Track to Mandate Hands-Free Cellphone Use in 2006
Sometime in 2006, Defense Dept. facilities worldwide will require drivers to use hands-free devices or pull over before making or taking a wireless phone call. With only about 12 states curbing drivers’ phone use, DoD’s move significantly boosts the hands-free issue’s profile on the national scene, industry observers said. The new rules will apply on 180 large and mid-size bases in all 50 states.
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Even before the rules have been woven into the Code of Federal Regulations, bases in every services are starting to impose them, with most expected to do so in 2006. The rules appeared in the Federal Register in April 2005.
The hands-free mandate is deemed a minimum requirement, with base commanders permitted to put stricter rules in place. Signs and notices in base publications will alert drivers to the new regulations. DoD’s goal is to “drive an increased attention to the importance of safe driving and… see a change in driving behavior, both on military installations and off,” a spokesman said.
CTIA remains opposed to hands-free mandates, since fewer than 1% of accidents arise from wireless phone use, a CTIA spokesman said, citing national statistics. “Our position is very simple,” the spokesman said. “If you believe your phone is going to distract you while driving, don’t use it.”
Merely addressing cellphone use behind the wheel doesn’t make sense, the spokesman said: “When you narrowly focus on wireless phone use and you ignore folks that have 3 meals a day behind the wheel or are caring for a child or pet or who are putting on makeup or combing their hair… you're giving drivers a false sense of security.”
It’s uncertain whether DoD’s stance will encourage curbs on cellphone use while driving in states, where interest is high and growing, said the spokesman. In 2004, 33 state legislatures considered driver distraction bills, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Cal., Del., N.J. and D.C. passed laws. A year later, at least 39 legislatures had proposed 129 driver-distraction bills.