18th SFS enforcing cell phone, seatbelt regulations

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Patrolmen from the 18th Security Forces Squadron are reminding Kadena drivers to obey wing traffic laws or risk losing their driving privileges. 

In particular, the use of cell phones while driving continues to be a problem on base. 

"There is absolutely zero tolerance for cell phone use while operating a vehicle on Kadena," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Cook, 18th SFS Avenger flight chief. "Not only is it our law in the Air Force, but it's Japanese law as well." 

Violators will have on-base driving privileges suspended for 30 days for the first offense and one year for the second offense. 

"The driver will be issued a base revocation letter which must be signed by the driver, patrolman and a witness," said Staff Sgt. Antywon Grant, 18th SFS lead patrolman. 

The letter instructs the driver to drive the vehicle to their home and park it there. Violators are also instructed to notify their chain of command. 

If military members are caught driving on base after following the letter's instructions, they could be apprehended for a violation of Article 92 of the UCMJ and subject to UCMJ actions, said Sergeant Cook. 

Drivers are allowed to use cell phones only if they have a hands-free device. 

"If a person receives a call while driving, they may use a hands-free device or earphone as long as it does not hinder their ability to drive," Sergeant Cook said. "Otherwise, drivers must pull over into an area which does not hinder traffic." 

Failure to wear the required safety equipment, or seatbelts, has proven to be another problem at Kadena. 

"Drivers could have their driving privileges suspended for up to a year if found driving without seatbelts," Sergeant Grant said. 

This includes leaving a parking spot while in the process of putting on a seatbelt, the flight chief said. 

"You have to click it [the seatbelt] before putting the car in gear," said Sergeant Cook. 

Seatbelt laws also apply to passengers since the driver is held responsible for them. 

"It's the driver's responsibility to ensure everyone in the vehicle is in compliance with base regulations," said Sergeant Cook. "Drivers will be issued a citation if either driver or passenger is caught not wearing a seatbelt." 

Drivers can also have their privileges suspended if caught speeding on base.
If caught speeding in excess of 20 kph over the speed limit in base housing or school zones, driving privileges will be suspended for 30 days for the first offense, 90 days for the second offense and one year for the third and subsequent offenses. 

When a driver is issued a citation, they must follow instructions found on the back of the ticket. The instructions include reporting the violation to the member's supervisor or commander within 24 hours or on the next duty day. 

Traffic laws in Kadena apply to all on-base drivers whether they are assigned to the base or not. 

"If a driver from another base violates Kadena traffic laws, they may be restricted from driving on Kadena," said Sergeant Cook. 

Patrolmen would like to remind drivers to be careful and alert as the new school year rapidly approaches. 

"This is for the safety of everyone on Kadena," said Sergeant Grant.