Gov’t Employees Banned from Behind-the-Wheel Texting

WASHINGTON - With last week's Distracted Driving Summit bringing together more than 200 safety leaders to shed light on the dangers of driving-while-texting (DWT), President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order Oct. 1 to prohibit the use of DWT on official business or while using government-supplied equipment.

"A Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for State and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers," according to a statement released by the White House. "Extending this policy to cover Federal contractors is designed to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement. Federal contractors and contractor employees who refrain from the unsafe practice of text messaging while driving in connection with Government business are less likely to experience disruptions to their operations that would adversely impact Federal procurement."

Under the order, law enforcement and other safety and security officials may be made exempt by agency heads.

Click here to view the full text prohibiting federal employees from texting-while-driving while using government resources.