[1SR-L] EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING -016/09

[Announcement List for First Southern District]

TO:     ALAUXDIST1SR
FM:     CDR Christopher Zorman
SUBJ:   EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING -016/09

1. FYI:

-----Original Message-----
From: DHSEmployee Communications 
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 1:20 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients
Subject: DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT MESSAGE: EXECUTIVE ORDER ON
TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING


MEMORANDUM FOR:         All DHS Employees
FROM:                   Sharie Bourbeau /s/
                        Deputy Under Secretary for Management
SUBJECT:                Executive Order on Text Messaging While Driving

 

President Barack Obama issued an executive order on Oct. 1, 2009, that bans
Federal employees from text messaging when driving a government owned
vehicle, when driving their privately owned vehicle while on official
government business, or when using electronic equipment supplied by the
government while driving.

Specific Departmental policies to implement this order are being developed
and will be available soon.  In recognition of our unique mission, special
consideration is being given to those law enforcement or emergency functions
that would require use of texting or handheld electronic devices while
operating a vehicle.  

It is well established that texting and the use of handheld devices while
driving is hazardous.  In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration reported that distracted drivers were involved in 16 percent
of fatal accidents.  In July 2009, the Virginia Tech Transportation
Institute reported that texting truckers were 23 times more likely as their
non-texting counterparts to be involved in a crash or a near miss.  

I fully support the President's action.  By meeting the requirements of the
executive order, the employees of the Department will not only demonstrate
leadership in making America's roads safer, they will also reduce their
personal chances of experiencing a vehicular accident.  I encourage everyone
to follow the prohibition on texting while driving both at work and during
your personal travels.

2. The purpose of this list is to keep Auxiliarists in the First Southern
abreast of current developments, policies, manuals, etc.  

3. Internet Release and Distribution is Authorized.

4. DIRAUX 1SR sends