By Justin Creech
Staff writer
Thursday, May 24, 2012

Anyone who drives on Fort Belvoir, and talks or texts on their cell phones while driving, can receive more than one citation.

A 1408, which is a warning ticket, can be written. A reckless driving ticket can be issued too, if the driver is seen veering in and out of the traffic lane, or endangering pedestrians in any way.

“What I want people to understand is, our officers can write you a reckless driving ticket (for texting or talking on a cell phone) because it’s inattentive driving,” said Fort Belvoir Police Chief, Timothy Wolfe. “Those two tons of machinery that you are supposed to be in charge of, you’re not paying attention to what (your car) is doing (if you are talking or texting on a cell phone). If you cross a double-yellow line, hit a car head on, or veer up on to places where pedestrians are walking, you can get a reckless driving ticket.”

Under the Vehicle Driving Code of Virginia, reckless driving ticket recipients can have their license suspended, pay a $1,500 fine or do jail time.

“The officers don’t have to cite you with talking on a cell phone while driving,” Wolfe said. “They can give you a reckless driving ticket, if they feel it’s necessary.”

Penalties can be assessed to drivers caught texting and driving while off post, too. Under current Virginia law, drivers under the age of 18 may not operate a vehicle while using a cell phone or any other wireless telecommunications device, including those that are considered to be hands free.

No driver, regardless of age, is permitted to text while operating a vehicle in the state of Virginia.

“Even if you receive a text message while driving on the road and look at it,” said Capt. Steve Galay, Fort Belvoir Police Department. “You’ll get a ticket.”

A violation of the no texting while driving law shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable, for a first offense, by a fine of $20 and, for a second subsequent offense, a fine of $50, reads the Virginia law.

Belvoir Law Enforcement and the Directorate of Emergency Services want drivers to understand it’s more important to be aware of your surroundings while driving than answering a text message from a colleague, friend or Family member.

“I’m on Interstate 95, coming home from work one day, and this car in front of me is weaving during the middle of the day, in the middle of the week,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Brinson, DES senior noncommissioned officer. “By the time I got up the courage to drive around him, I see the person has an iPad on his steering wheel and he his typing. I yelled to the guy, ‘Are you serious?’”

Remaining focused on the road, and having no distractions, is what is most important so drivers on post don’t hit a pedestrian or another vehicle while driving distracted.

“If you are texting, what are you in control of?” asked Brinson. “You’re looking down at your screen trying to text, so are you in control of the vehicle? No, you’re not.”