90th Security Forces Squadron reminds public: Put it down! Published Dec. 13, 2010 By Len Vite 90th SFS reports and analysis F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- Distracted Driving was 2009's phrase of the year according to Webster's Dictionary. Unfortunately, this is not just another fad that comes and goes. Distracted driving has become a trend with deadly, real consequences. In order to combat the national trend at a local level, Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing commander, signed a policy letter on October 13 implementing strict penalties for distracted driving. Individuals cited on Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren for driving while using a cell phone without a hands free device will receive a mandatory 10-day suspension of on-base driving privileges. A second offense will result in 30 days and a third will result in a year suspension. People often say, "I can do two things at once. I've memorized where the numbers are on my phone, so I don't have to look." Or, "It's just up to your ear, you have your sight, you're still watching the road." To the contrary. The people who choose to indulge in distracted driving behaviors are not only a danger to themselves, but to everyone on the road around them. For those who still think they can do two things at once, think about this: according to a study by Carnegie Mellon, driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. Can drivers really afford to lose that much brain power? Driving is an activity that requires one's full-attention and focus in order to keep everyone on the road safe. Yes, this is a national problem, but security forces and first responders see the consequences locally at too many crash scenes. So, it begins right here at Warren. Remember, Put it down. Life is worth more than a text or phone call!