militarymoms

During our trip to Sugar Grove last week, I was surprised and pleased to learn that this small, remote Navy base had finally found a way to provide cell phone service to sailors, airmen and their families.  Prior to this year, cell phones didn’t work at Sugar Grove.  I saw several teens, happily texting their friends, and that was a good thing.

Then I saw a not-so-good thing.  I watched a young lady - probably in her 20s - speed on the main road of the base.  Uh-oh, I thought.  Then I saw the cell phone she was holding up to her ear.

Last time I checked, use of cell phones while driving on a military installation was banned in 2006.  The only way you can use a cell phone is to park your car or to use a hands-free device.  Text messaging isn’t permitted, either (surprise!).

This young lady might have thought that, since she couldn’t see a patrol car, no one was watching.  Unfortunately, she was speeding right near the Navy Exchange, commissary and pool parking lot - a spot famous for near-misses.  Had there been any pedestrians around, I would have reported her to Security.  She could have received points on her base driving record, which could eventually have led to suspension of her base driving privileges.  If you ask me, parking your vehicle at the front gate and hiking all over base isn’t worth a phone call.

Now that the weather is warmer, more families will be out walking and biking on your base.  Set the cell phone down - even better, turn it off or give it to a passenger - and drive carefully.  Please.

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