Eielson enforces cell phone driving policy Published June 22, 2007 By Compiled from staff reports 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Pacific Air Force's cell phone policy is the restriction of cell phone usage for drivers on all PACAF bases, and has been in effect since Feb. 28, 2006. Vehicle operators on all PACAF installations and operators of government-owned vehicles, both on and off installations will not use cell phones while driving unless the vehicle is safely parked or they are using a hands-free device. Violation of the cell phone policy will result in the loss of on-base driving privi¬leges for 30 days. In the first 20 days of June alone, Eielson reports four citations with a 30-day driving suspension for driving while using a cell phone. Major Gerald Mulhollen, 354th Security Forces Squadron commander, encourages Airmen to use the hands-free device if they plan to talk on a cell phone while driving even off base. "This cell phone regulation will increase traffic safety, but more importantly, it will encourage safe driving habits," he said. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distraction ac¬counts for 25 percent of vehicle accidents and cell phone use is the fastest growing cause of driver distraction. For more information on this policy, call 377-4762.