Hang-up and drive Published June 3, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Cory Smith Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airman Snuffy is late to a commander's call. "Oh no! I have less than 5 minutes to get to the commanders call," he mutters to himself. "I can't be late for this ..." BDDDRRING RING RING! "Awe man, it's Sergent Kiljoy and he's probably wondering why I'm not in place 15 minutes early. I'm in so much trouble; I better answer this call." Suddenly, six feet away a car is stopped. He slams on the brakes, coming to a screeching halt. A sigh of relief; he takes a breath and relaxes. How many times will this happen before an accident? It's potentially life-threatening situations like this that the installation commander wants to reiterate the importance of safety and policy in regards to hand-held cell phone use while driving. "The main problem with hand-held cell phone use is it distracts you from driving," said Dan Heald, 5th Bomb Wing Safety officer said. "Drivers eyes are constantly scanning the road ahead. However, once they start talking on a cell phone their eyes stop moving and scanning the road." Talking on a cell phone will reduce reaction time and impair awareness," Heald added. The safety officer also pointed out that studies have shown a person talking on a cell phone performs only as well as an individual with a 0.08 percent blood alcohol content. According to Tech. Sgt. Tracie Bartlett, 5th Security Forces Squadron police services, cell phone use while driving not only endangers lives, it is against Minot Air Force Base policy. "Using a cell phone without a hands-free device while operating a privately owned vehicle or a government owned vehicle on Minot Air Force Base will get you ticketed and three points assessed to your base driving record," Sergeant Bartlett said. "Holding a cell phone while it's operating in speakerphone mode is not a hands-free device. Also, this includes dependents should they be caught talking on a cell phone while driving." Base safety experts stress that in regards to safety it is always best to take the safest route. The best way to prevent mishaps resulting from cell phone use is not to use the cell phone. If the phone rings, drivers are advised to pull over on the side of the road to take the call. The primary focus while driving should be driving. According to Col. Joel Westa, 5th Bomb Wing commander, nobody is exempt from the policy. "Nobody, and I mean nobody on this base is so important that the phone can't ring one more time while they pull over to talk," Colonel Westa said. When in doubt, pull over and answer or wait for a better time and call back. Nobody's life is worth the risk.