Kansas police to issue tickets for texting

  • Published
  • By by Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Texting an 'LOL' while driving in Kansas could result in an 'OMG' to an Airman's bank account. State and municipal law enforcement officials began issuing citations to motorists caught texting while driving, Jan. 1.

The infractions are part of a bill signed by Gov. Mark Parkinson in May. The law, House Substitute for Senate Bill 300, makes it illegal to use handheld or wireless communication devices to "write, send or read a written communication" while operating a motor vehicle.

According to Phyllis Marotta, program consultant, Kansas Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety and Technology, studies have shown that a person is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash if texting while driving.

"The average text takes about five seconds," said Ms. Marotta. "At highway speeds that equates to more than the length of a football field during the time your eyes are off the road."

Violators are subject to a minimum $60 fine plus court costs. Court costs can add $70 to $100 to the traffic ticket depending upon the municipality.

"It could end up running them a substantial amount of money," said Ms. Marotta.
Kansas is one of 30 states to ban text messaging for all drivers. Eight states prohibit all handheld cell phone use while driving.

According to Col. Edsel Frye, 931st Air Refueling Group Commander, Airmen should respect the laws of the state and the safety and well being of their fellow drivers.

"We want all of our Airmen to arrive at the UTA safely and return home to their families safely as well," said Colonel Frye. "We are a family at the 931st, and we don't want to see a family member harmed or lost because of a text message or e-mail."

Department of Defense Instruction 6055.04 prohibits all military members, and DoD civilian employees in duty status from texting while driving. The instruction also requires drivers operating a motor vehicle to use hands-free devices when talking on cell phones and prohibits texting while operating government-owned, rented or leased vehicles.

Members who violate the state law could also be subject to administrative action for violating the instruction, which could affect their careers.