[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 41 (Friday, March 1, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9453-9454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-4880]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

[FMR Bulletin B-2]


Motor Vehicle Management

    This notice contains GSA Bulletin FMR B-2 which addresses the use 
of hand-held wireless phones while driving motor vehicles owned or 
leased by the Federal government. The text of the bulletin follows:
    To: Heads of Federal Agencies.
    Subject: Use of Hand-held Wireless Phones while Driving Motor 
Vehicles Owned or Leased by the Federal Government.

1. What Is the Purpose of This Bulletin?

    This bulletin provides guidance to Federal agencies concerning the 
use of hand-held wireless phones while driving motor vehicles owned or 
leased by the Federal government.

2. What Is the Effective Date of This Bulletin?

    This bulletin is effective March 1, 2002.

3. When Does This Bulletin Expire?

    This bulletin will remain in effect until specifically cancelled.

4. What Is the Background?

    a. Over 110 million people use wireless phones in the United 
States. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 
survey found that 54 percent of motor vehicle drivers in the United 
States usually have a wireless phone in their vehicle. Federal and 
State policymakers have been weighing the benefits of wireless phone 
use in vehicles against the growing evidence of their potential to 
increase driver distraction and the risks to safety. The recent ban of 
hand-held wireless phones while driving in New York State and pending 
legislation in at least 27 other states has received significant 
publicity in 2001. In addition, 23 countries now restrict or prohibit 
wireless phones in motor vehicles.
    b. It is appropriate that the Federal government assume a 
leadership role in promoting the safe use of wireless telephones by its 
employees when they are engaged in official Government business. 
Accordingly, Federal agencies should address the issue of wireless 
phone use in their internal policies. Additionally, many agencies have 
requested guidance from the General Services Administration's Office of 
Governmentwide Policy (OGP), Federal Vehicle Policy Division on 
wireless phone use in government owned and leased vehicles.

5. What Is the Recommended Policy We Should Follow When Issuing 
Guidance on the Use of Wireless Phones While Driving Motor Vehicles 
Owned or Leased by the Federal Government?

    Federal agencies should:
    a. Discourage the use of hand-held wireless phones by a driver 
while operating motor vehicles owned or leased by the Federal 
government.
    b. Provide a portable hands-free accessory and/or a hands-free car 
kit for government owned wireless phones.
    c. Educate employees on driving safely while using hands-free 
wireless phones. See Attachment A for ``Cellular Phone Driving Tips'' 
published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
(NHTSA).

6. Are Federal Employees Exempt From Local or State Laws Prohibiting or 
Limiting the Use of Wireless Phones While Driving?

    Generally, Federal employees are not exempt from state and local 
laws governing operation of a motor vehicle. If adhering to state and 
local laws would impede your agency's mission, consult your General 
Counsel for advice.

7. Could Federal Agencies Be Held Liable for Injuries or Damages Caused 
by Employees Who Use Wireless Phones While Driving Motor Vehicles Owned 
or Leased by the Federal Government?

    Federal agencies should be aware of the potential for increased 
liability from accidents that occur if directly caused by the use of 
wireless phones while driving motor vehicles owned or leased by the 
Federal government.

8. What Future Actions Should We Expect?

    NHTSA has over a dozen new studies planned during the next two 
years regarding driver distractions such as wireless phone use. As 
these reports are published, the General Services Administration's 
Federal Vehicle Policy Division will keep agencies abreast of the 
current research and recommendations on whether wireless phones, or any 
other device, should be used while driving.

[[Page 9454]]

9. Who Should We Contact for Further Information and/or To Direct 
Comments to on the Issue of Limiting the Use of Wireless Phones While 
Driving Motor Vehicles Owned or Leased by the Federal Government?

    General Services Administration, Office of Governmentwide Policy, 
Federal Vehicle Policy Division (MTV), Washington, DC 20405, Telephone 
Number: 202-501-1777, E-mail Address: [email protected].

    Dated: February 25, 2002.
G. Martin Wagner,
Associate Administrator, Office of Governmentwide Policy.

Attachment A--Cellular Phone Safe Driving Tips

    Safe driving is your first priority. Always buckle up, keep your 
hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
    Make sure that your phone is positioned where it is easy to see and 
easy to reach. Be familiar with the operation of your phone, so that 
you're comfortable using it on the road.
    Use a hands-free microphone while driving. Make sure your phone is 
dealer-installed to get the best possible sound quality.
    Use the speed dialing feature to program in frequently called 
numbers. Then you can make a call by touching only two or three 
buttons. Most phones will store up to 99 numbers.
    When dialing manually without the speed dialing feature, dial only 
when stopped. If you can't stop, or pull over, dial a few digits, then 
survey traffic before completing the call. (Better yet, have a 
passenger dial.)
    Never take notes while driving. Pull off the road to jot something 
down; if it's a phone number, many mobile phones have an electronic 
scratchpad that allows you to key in a new number while having a 
conversation.
    Let your wireless network's voice mail pick up your calls when it's 
inconvenient or unsafe to answer the car phone. You can even use your 
voice mail to leave yourself reminders.
    Be a cellular Samaritan. Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for cellular 
subscribers; use it to report crimes in progress or other potential 
life-threatening emergencies, accidents or drunk driving.
    Source: Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration: An Investigation of the Safety Implications of 
Wireless Communications in Vehicles November 1997.

[FR Doc. 02-4880 Filed 2-28-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P