CAP Policy -- Driving CAP Vehicles while Using Cellphones?

[RADIOMAN015]

Studies show that driving and using a cellphone, even with a hands free device is dangerous.  A senior member driving a CAP owned 12 pax van, packed with cadets and/or seniors, probably shouldn't be talking on a cellphone while driving the vehicle.  Has anyone looked at this as a potential safety hazard, that CAP could address, regardless of the states laws.

RM

[notaNCO forever]

 I think it would be a good idea to have it be against the regs. Even if you use a hands free device it is still a big distraction and safety hazard. Dateline has done a few studies on it along with some other agencies.  It's not the holding the phone that is the actual problem but  the concentration of talking to someone on a phone.

[Eclipse]

This would simply be a way to further discourage the use of COV's for missions and transport.

While most, if not all, military bases prohibit the use of a cel phone while driving (by the driver), in this case I'm for giving most of our members the benefit of the doubt and preach on the dangers of distracted driving vs. passing a virtually unenforceable regulation.

Many of our members have to deal with work obligations on CAP time, a lot of our missions, and by missions I include all activities where coordination is needed, rely on cel phones, and if you're walking down the restrict cel phone road, you've got to take with it VHF radios, DF gear, laptops, GPS navigation systems, and anything else that distracts a driver from eyes on the road.

I personally contend it is the operation of the phone, not the conversation.   Are you going to restrict conversation between people in the same vehicle?  I am perfectly capable of pressing the talk button on my earpiece and never losing focus on the road.

Let's treat adults like adults.

[RiverAux]

So long as they also prohibit the driver from using the VHF radio while driving as well. 

[PHall]

It won't be against the rules until there's an accident and the use of a cellphone while driving is listed as a contributing factor.

[Always Ready]

They are both BIG problems in CAP IMHO. It's something that needs to change.

In any case, I think that the driver should NOT be allowed to use those items while driving. If it is necessary for the driver to use those items (meaning he/she is the only person in the vehicle), then they should pull over to a safe area. And yes as a 20 year old male, I do pull my car over if I need to talk to someone on the phone or text someone. It's just not a risk I am willing to take. Kinda like drinking and driving...it does not compute.

I witnessed it several times this past weekend with one CAP driver (a well seasoned SQ/CC no less). One minute it was the cell phone, the next it was the radio, the next it was change for a toll....very bad situation. Even though he was using his bluetooth headset for his phone, he had to use at least one of his hands to dial the numbers into his crackberry. At one point, the cadet sponsor member in the passenger seat had to lean over and grab the wheel.

In this case, the radio was mounted flush against the driver's seat with the display facing the ceiling. The display, as well as most of the controls, were only accessible to the driver. I don't know who mounted the radio, but I don't think they were thinking about safety when they mounted it. It was the first CAP van I've seen with a radio mounted like this (all the other vans I've rode in had it centered in between the driver and passenger seats facing the rear). In any case, I wouldn't have the driver using the radio while driving...that's what the cadets in the seat behind the driver are for

...rant over

[openmind]

In this case, the radio was mounted flush against the driver's seat with the display facing the ceiling. The display, as well as most of the controls, were only accessible to the driver. I don't know who mounted the radio, but I don't think they were thinking about safety when they mounted it. It was the first CAP van I've seen with a radio mounted like this (all the other vans I've rode in had it centered in between the driver and passenger seats facing the rear). In any case, I wouldn't have the driver using the radio while driving...that's what the cadets in the seat behind the driver are for

You know, you can report this to your friendly Safety Officer; they can take the appropriate actions to evaluate whether it really is a safety issue and get it corrected (in this case, remounted.)

openmind

[notaNCO forever]

 If the regulation restricted the use of laptops, GPSs, and radios I'd be even happier. If you are on a mission than you have other people to do that stuff for you, and being the driver makes you responsible for every life in that van. I think it's worth missing a call to save the risk of driving of the road and possible injuring/ killing people in the van. Of course than you won't have to worry about it because you probably won't be in CAP after that, and you might possible end up in jail.

[Eclipse]

Perhaps you could cite the study which shows the number of CAP corporate vehicle accidents over the last five years that were attributable to a driver distracted by in-car technology?

"Because I don't like it."

or

"I just feel that this is wrong."

or even

"This one time at band camp."  (i.e. bad actors or anecdotal evidence)

...is not a justification for a regulation change that would significantly hamper our operations as well as treat our members like children.

[Eclipse]

If the regulation restricted the use of laptops, GPSs, and radios I'd be even happier.

So you would seriously suggest that the use of a GPS in navigating a COV full of cadets to NCC should be prohibited?
Well, good luck with that...

How about reading a map?  Drinking a beverage?  Looking at your watch?  Looking at the speedometer?  Rear view mirror?

Drive and be a passenger within your own personal risk tolerance, but leave us out of it.

[notaNCO forever]

If the regulation restricted the use of laptops, GPSs, and radios I'd be even happier.

So you would seriously suggest that the use of a GPS in navigating a COV full of cadets to NCC should be prohibited?
Well, good luck with that...

How about reading a map?  Drinking a beverage?  Looking at your watch?  Looking at the speedometer?  Rear view mirror?

Drive and be a passenger within your own personal risk tolerance, but leave us out of it.

Here is how I look at it if other people are in the van they could be doing all these things. If there is not anyone else in the van than they are only risking there own life, and anyone they hit. When I took my drivers ed a couple years ago I had statistics about how doing other tasks while driving were bad crammed down my throat. Either it's all a lie and big conspiracy; or talking on the phone while driving does cause accidents. From personal experience it seems allot hard for me to drive while talking on the phone; I don't drive on the phone well talking anymore I pull over and take the call.

[gistek]

When I drove the CAP van with passengers the front right seat occupant was the navigator. His or her job was to keep track of the route, remind me of turns coming up and help spot signs and landmarks.

The seat 2 center passenger was "Communications officer" and handled all communications either radio or cell phone for the driver and navigator. and yes, I did check to make sure whoever was in that seat had at least a B-CUT

When it was just two of us in the van the navigator doubled as comm officer. I had enough to do driving a vehicle I was somewhat less familiar with than the back of my hand.

[Eclipse]

There's a difference between training proper Crew Resource Management and prohibiting a particular activity.  If you have a full crew, you should be utilizing them appropriately, of course.  That makes for a better operational environment and more efficient use of resources.

Are pilots distracted when they use the radio, read their charts, or set their instruments?  Yes.  Is this a manageable situation, of course.  This is called ORM, and we all use it every minute of our lives.  The "number" is likely going to be significantly lower on a clear day in full VFR at high altitude, then in the pattern at O'Hare on a rainy holiday weekend, so you adjust your behavior accordingly.

Likewise, the distraction ORM is much higher in dense rush hour traffic with a fully loaded van in an unfamiliar area, then on a country road at 11am on a Tuesday with bright sun to your back and no one else around.  If you aren't capable of adjusting your ORM vectors based on the above, you should not be on the road.

NCOFOREVER - in (what I assume is) your age demographic, this is a problem - because its not just talking on the phone, its texting, goofing off, and any number of other things that young, inexperienced drivers do (including not having the experience to avoid an accident in the first place).

Schools tend to be reactionary in general, so I'm not surprised that they are "cramming this down your throat".  That doesn't make it "right" or "wrong" - you can be much safer if you wrap yourself in bubble wrap and stay in the house your whole life - I can show you studies that prove that, to.

Most accidents collisions are caused by a confluence of factors that come together in a pattern which leads to the situation.  Change a single factor and the collision may not occur, or be as serious.  I am a motorcycle rider instructor who has to deal with safety instruction and discussions of distraction all the time.  One of my best friends and co-instructors is a certified, professional accident reconstructionist, and he will attest that while some factors may weigh more heavily than others, its generally operator judgment which is the biggest factor.

We're not going to fix that by banning cel phones in CAP.

[jimmydeanno]

http://www.livescience.com/technology/050201_cell_danger.html

Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year, according to the journal's publisher, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

The scientists also found previously that chatty motorists are less adept than drunken drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.08.

Personal experience, I don't use my cell phone when I drive CAP vehicles.  I personally feel that there is too much to lose.  I rarely, if ever talk on my cell phone while driving my own vehicle.  YMMV.

[Gunner C]

If true, which I doubt, we would need to prohibit radio use, looking at maps/gps, listening to commercial radio, talking to anyone else in the vehicle, eating hamburgers, drinking sodas, as well as using cell phones.  As stated above CRM needs to be used as well as prudent actions by the operator. 

WIWA chief of staff, the lion's share of accidents were during backing up.  There's darned few people who talk on the cell while backing up. 

[Eclipse]

Cell phone distraction causes 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in the United States every year, according to the journal's publisher, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Good use of Google, however that particular study is over 4 years old.  Had you clicked through, you'd have seen that the range of the study was between 800 and 8000, hardly conclusive for them to pick 2600 based on a their mathematical models.

Quoting generic studies isn't going to get you far with this, especially since I know for a fact that more fatalities in CAP have been caused because of falling asleep while driving from an activity than from the distraction of a cel phone.

Further, more injuries have been caused by trip and falls during activities than driving while distracted.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/lovers+beware+Cats+dogs+tripping+hazards/1434879/story.html
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Roughly 240 Americans wind up in emergency rooms every day for sprains, fractures or other injuries from a fall caused by a dog or cat, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said dogs and cats account for 88 percent of all fall-related injuries in emergency departments....Overall, dogs or cats cause an estimated 86,600 falls per year, the CDC said in its weekly report on death and disease.

Women are 2.1 times more likely to have a pet-related fall than men, they said.

[Gunner C]

IMO it is all over-blown by the Chicken Little crowd.  There are dangers in life - get used to it. 

[jimmydeanno]

Good use of Google, however that particular study is over 4 years old.  Had you clicked through, you'd have seen that the range of the study was between 800 and 8000, hardly conclusive for them to pick 2600 based on a their mathematical models.

I think it is even better that it is older.  4 years ago, the use of cell phones wasn't nearly as much as it is today.  The phone/driver ratio has only increased.

Just during my travels today I was cut off, tailgated, almost side swiped, 2 red lights run and a screeching stop at a stop light - all people using their cell phones while driving.  Did I mention that I live in a pretty rural area?

I'm not advocating banning them because I think that the risk is pretty low considering how much our vehicles are actually used combined with a member driving having to be on the phone, combined with the people who think they shouldn't use it while driving, etc. 

by the way, what is the purpose of providing completly unrealted statistics?  You're talking about someone tripping over their cat spraining their ankle.  Not a van full of children blowing through a stop sign slamming into another car.  Do you want to talk about smoking deaths now too?

In all honesty, I'm more concerned about the 80 year old member dying behind the wheel with a pack full of cadets than because of cell phone use.

Someone asked for some stats, I provided some. 

As responsible adults, don't you think it is our responsibility to not engage, unnecessarily, in something that makes you the equivalent of a drunk driver?  This is a common sense issue, but obviously sense isn't all that common lately.  But of course, this is will be a never ending discussion, because someone always 'has to be right.'

[Eclipse]

I quoted the above because life has risk and it can't be completely elimnated.

As responsible adults, don't you think it is our responsibility to not engage, unnecessarily, in something that makes you the equivalent of a drunk driver? 

Yes.  Cel phone use doesn't do that.

[jimmydeanno]

Sorry, I couldn't find a study dated 28MAR09

http://www.hfes.org/Web/Pubpages/celldrunk.pdf

For example, drivers are more likely to miss critical traffic signals (traffic lights, a vehicle braking in front of the driver, etc.), slower to respond to the signals that they do detect, and more likely to be involved in rear-end collisions when they are conversing on a cell phone (Strayer et al., 2003). In addition, even when participants direct their gaze at objects in the driving environment, they often fail to "see" them when they are talking on a cell phone because attention has been directed away from the external environment and toward an internal, cognitive context associated with the phone conversation.

In their seminal article, Redelmeier and Tibshirani (1997) reported epidemiological evidence suggesting that "the relative risk [of being in a traffic accident while using a cell phone] is similar to the hazard associated with driving with a
blood alcohol level at the legal limit" (p. 456). These estimates were made by evaluating the cellular records of 699 individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents. It was found that 24% of these individuals were using their cell phone within the 10-min period preceding the accident, and this was associated with a fourfold increase in the likelihood of getting into an accident.

I suppose because it says, "the legal limit" you could say "not the equivalent of drunkenness."  But of course, then we could point to other studies that say that people can be 'drunk' and still below the limit.

Furthermore, the lack of differences in dual task interference as a function of real-world usage suggests that drivers may not be aware of their own impaired driving.  Indeed, when we debriefed participants at the end of the experiment, many of the drivers with higher levels of real-world cell phone usage while driving indicated that they
found it no more difficult to drive while using a cell phone than to drive without using a cell phone. Thus, there appears to be a disconnect between participants' self-perception of driving performance and objective measures of their driving
performance.

We compared the cell phone driver with the drunk driver for two reasons. First, there are now clear societal norms associated with intoxicated driving, and laws in the United States expressly prohibit driving with a blood alcohol level at or above 0.08%. Logical consistency would seem to dictate that any activity that leads to impairments in driving equal to or greater than the drunk driving standard should be avoided

There's about 40 other studies referenced in this one starting in the 70's (establishing Alcohol as the baseline) and going until 2006.  I would hope that 30+ years of research into human behavioral interactions while driving would be sufficient.

[Eclipse]

He-said / she said, at this point - I guess you're not "getting" that I don't buy these studies as the sole cause of the accident.  "Within ten minutes of the accident?"  A "huge sampling of 699 accidents?  Come on.

I'll leave this to someone else.

I'm sure its occurred to you and others that its possible most of these people are just bad drivers and they way they use their cel phones, put on makeup, lack attention, etc., is a symptom of their being poor operators and not the other way around.

...Denny Crane...

[jimmydeanno]

I agree that we're not going to get very far with this.  But I think that the last source I posted does a good job in highlighting that an individuals willingness to use cell phones while driving is a good indicator of that individuals willingness to participate in other risky/aggressive behaviors while driving.

But then again I would be interested in any documentation/studies to counter, if you feel so inclined.

But, like I said before, I don't think we need to prohibit it through regulation, just common sense [I hope] should suffice.  There's no point in catching up on your gossip for the week while transporting the cadets around or taking casual phone calls.

I don't think we have our drivers painting their toenails while drinking coffee, talking on their cell phones and changing their clothes.  Our 'vetting' process of checking driving records, driving test, etc appears to work pretty well.

I think that Jefferson said it best though, "Every difference in opinion is not a difference in principle."

[AirDX]

It's moot here, since it's been illegal on base for a couple of years and illegal in the state since 1 July 09.  I'd say make it a CAP reg in a second.

[BillB]

What is the difference in using a cell phone while driving a CAP van and using a VHF radio while driving a CAP van?

[Thom]

What is the difference in using a cell phone while driving a CAP van and using a VHF radio while driving a CAP van?

We'll not have any of this 'logic' you are using!  Not in this forum!






Thom Hamilton

[jimmydeanno]

Perhaps you could cite the study which shows the number of CAP corporate vehicle accidents over the last five years that were attributable to a driver distracted by in-car technology?

Our wing had two vehicle accidents in June, in the same week.  A few weeks later a wing policy came out that prohibited the use of talking on the cell phone while driving a corporate vehicle.

Coincidence?

[PHall]

Perhaps you could cite the study which shows the number of CAP corporate vehicle accidents over the last five years that were attributable to a driver distracted by in-car technology?

Our wing had two vehicle accidents in June, in the same week.  A few weeks later a wing policy came out that prohibited the use of talking on the cell phone while driving a corporate vehicle.

Coincidence?

Well, it was already prohibited DOD-wide already so it will be just a matter of time before CAP follows suit.

If for nothing else that it's good "eye wash" for the BoG to show that we take safety seriously.

[Airrace]

California has a law preventing you from driving a vechicle and talking on a cell phone. You must have a hands free device or you get a ticket.

[SarDragon]

What is the difference in using a cell phone while driving a CAP van and using a VHF radio while driving a CAP van?

For the most part, it's pick up the mike and talk, when operating a radio. There's more involved in using a cell phone, not the least of which is dialing the number. A channel change on a radio is much simpler, and requiring only one hand and a quick look or two at the front of the unit.

YMMV.

[wuzafuzz]

I'm going to jump on this bandwagon and write my local congress critter:

• How in the world do those pilots fly their planes and talk on the radio?  There oughtta be a law!
• What's up with those cops talking on radios while they drive?  There oughtta be a law!
• I saw a mall security guard the other day...he was talking on his radio and phone while WALKING, without so much as a safety helmet!  Outrageous I tell you!
• I spent nearly an hour on the phone while driving today.  I've been doing it since the early 90's.  No accidents but it's only a matter of time...somebody stop me before I demonstrate mere competence again!

Anyone who cannot talk and drive at the same time shouldn't be driving in the first place.     I've been doing it for years, talking on police radios, cell phones, ham radios, business radios, and airband radios, all while driving.  No accidents or close calls.  Some people simply multitask better than others.  Making the rest of us conform to rules written for the least capable members of the herd is outright insulting. 

Simply enforce distracted or reckless driving laws for those who prove themselves incapable of using good judgment.  A law won't slow most of them down anyway.  CAP can make it's own rules; I agreed to follow the rules as long as I am a member.  If rules get too stupid I just won't be a member.

[EMT-83]

^ I used to think like that. I've always had a two-way radio in my vehicle, and then a "car phone" before cellular became hand held. Never had a problem.

However, being a road warrior, I see idiots out there every day that absolutely cannot hold a lane while taking on the phone. I see them run red lights and stop signs while merrily chatting away.

As far as CAP vehicles go, communications should be the responsibility of the passenger (assuming one is on board). While driving fire apparatus, I never use the radio – that's up to the guy in the right seat. My job is to operate the vehicle.

[RiverAux]

There is no question that people talking on a cell phone are nowhere near as safe as someone that isn't on the cell phone.  Don't think I've seen much regarding radio type use while driving (contrary to the implication of my earlier post).  But those conversations tend to be really short and you don't get as involved in them as you do while on the phone.  So, I think I probably would be ok with a CAP policy to this effect (if it isn't already the law in your state). 

[Airrace]

Since we are talking about the safety of our passengers then what does it hurt to just pull over to the side of the road and make a phone call on your cell phone. Seems it well worth the safety of our passengers.

[davidsinn]

Since we are talking about the safety of our passengers then what does it hurt to just pull over to the side of the road and make a phone call on your cell phone. Seems it well worth the safety of our passengers.

That is frequently more dangerous than driving and talking. That's assuming it's even possible in the first place. Some places it's illegal or there isn't a wide enough shoulder. Ever driven through Chicago?

[Gunner C]

I'm going to jump on this bandwagon and write my local congress critter:

• How in the world do those pilots fly their planes and talk on the radio?  There oughtta be a law!
• What's up with those cops talking on radios while they drive?  There oughtta be a law!
• I saw a mall security guard the other day...he was talking on his radio and phone while WALKING, without so much as a safety helmet!  Outrageous I tell you!
• I spent nearly an hour on the phone while driving today.  I've been doing it since the early 90's.  No accidents but it's only a matter of time...somebody stop me before I demonstrate mere competence again!

Anyone who cannot talk and drive at the same time shouldn't be driving in the first place.     I've been doing it for years, talking on police radios, cell phones, ham radios, business radios, and airband radios, all while driving.  No accidents or close calls.  Some people simply multitask better than others.  Making the rest of us conform to rules written for the least capable members of the herd is outright insulting. 

Simply enforce distracted or reckless driving laws for those who prove themselves incapable of using good judgment.  A law won't slow most of them down anyway.  CAP can make it's own rules; I agreed to follow the rules as long as I am a member.  If rules get too stupid I just won't be a member.

Let's add to the list:

• Eating/Drinking
• Talking to date/girlfriend/wife
• Listening to (liberal/conservative) talk radio
• Reading a map
• Farding

But since the commonality of common sense is in question, it's necessary to instruct/force people to think.  IOW think for them.  Unfortunate, but true.

[jimmydeanno]

I noted that I'm not in favor of adding the restriction to the regulations earlier.  However, it should be noted that most states have "distracted driving" laws, which could apply to cell phone use if it was impeding your ability to drive, or was the cause of you violating the laws.

We're already required to comply with local traffic laws when driving a corporate vehicle.  If one of us crashes and the cop says, "what happened here."  The other driver might just say, "Well, he was on his cell phone/radio/laptop/etc and swerved and hit me."  Distracted driving.

EDIT: A distracted driving ticket could be used as grounds for revocation of your CAP driver's license.  So, it's a self correcting problem.

Some things I've noticed when people drive while talking on their phones:

1) For some reason their necks loose the ability to turn.  They no longer look over their shoulder and check their blind spot as though they are tethered to a 2 foot cord.

2) They tilt their heads toward the ear they're talking into, giving them a weird vantage point on the road.

3) They aren't as attentive to the speed their doing; some slow way down some go faster.

I have bluetooth integrated in my car, so I don't have to hold the phone.  I notice a huge difference in my wife's driving when she's using the bluetooth as opposed to holding the phone.  She doesn't swerve/jerk the wheel as much.  Her driving is less eratic and she sees more of what is going on around her.

[PHall]

Since we are talking about the safety of our passengers then what does it hurt to just pull over to the side of the road and make a phone call on your cell phone. Seems it well worth the safety of our passengers.

That is frequently more dangerous than driving and talking. That's assuming it's even possible in the first place. Some places it's illegal or there isn't a wide enough shoulder. Ever driven through Chicago?

Simple cure for that, exit the expressway. See, it's that simple.

[davedove]

It seems to me that if we are talking about CAP vehicles, most of the time there will be more than one person in the vehicle.  Just let the person in the passenger seat answer the phone.

[Eclipse]

Since we are talking about the safety of our passengers then what does it hurt to just pull over to the side of the road and make a phone call on your cell phone. Seems it well worth the safety of our passengers.

That is frequently more dangerous than driving and talking. That's assuming it's even possible in the first place. Some places it's illegal or there isn't a wide enough shoulder. Ever driven through Chicago?

Simple cure for that, exit the expressway. See, it's that simple.

You'd might be surprised how complicated exiting a Chicago expressway can be...

[davidsinn]

Since we are talking about the safety of our passengers then what does it hurt to just pull over to the side of the road and make a phone call on your cell phone. Seems it well worth the safety of our passengers.

That is frequently more dangerous than driving and talking. That's assuming it's even possible in the first place. Some places it's illegal or there isn't a wide enough shoulder. Ever driven through Chicago?

You clearly have never driven in Chicago. To put it simply: those people can't drive. I have no clue how they got a license. I have no idea how they are still alive with some of the crap I've seen on those roads. That's assuming of course traffic is moving.

Simple cure for that, exit the expressway. See, it's that simple.

[wuzafuzz]

There is no question that people talking on a cell phone are nowhere near as safe as someone that isn't on the cell phone.

I think the question is wide open.  IMHO it seems many people are jumping on the bandwagon because this issue is being spoon fed to us by politicians and journalists with an agenda. 

BTW, those of us advocating individual responsibility are not reckless people who willingly risk the safety of others to keep our ego inflated.  I'll be at the head of the line to bring the hammer down on folks who drive recklessly, and I have reported or cited them on numerous occasions. 

FWIW, I don't text or even dial while driving.  Personal choice based on experience.  Voice dialing is the bomb, by the way.

We can have a culture of safety without allowing it to become a culture of fear.  If we keep sliding down the slope we'll have to cancel the cadet program before some kids get the idea to join the military and be exposed to combat.

[Eclipse]

We can have a culture of safety without allowing it to become a culture of fear.

+1

We gave up teaching people to drive years ago, now we just make cars that are "survivable".   

[Hawk200]

It seems to me that if we are talking about CAP vehicles, most of the time there will be more than one person in the vehicle.  Just let the person in the passenger seat answer the phone.

Not a policy in our area, but it is standard practice. Went to a SAREX a couple weeks ago. Another senior was driving, and her phone rang. She just handed it to me. I handled the radio, and any calls made to the driver. Nothing was discussed prior, that's just the way we did it.

[EMT-83]

There is no question that people talking on a cell phone are nowhere near as safe as someone that isn't on the cell phone.

I think the question is wide open.  IMHO it seems many people are jumping on the bandwagon because this issue is being spoon fed to us by politicians and journalists with an agenda. 

Almost got T-boned today, with the family in the car, by a girl who ran a red light while talking on her cell phone. We ended up sideways in the intersection to avoid being hit. She had no clue what had just happened as she drove by us.

[RADIOMAN015]

Apparently CAPR 77-1, para 2-2, prohibits the driver of a CAP vehicle from utilizing a hand held cellphone or text message device while operating the vehicle.  I would assume that operating means while the vehicle is in motion or temporarily stopped.  IF one pulls off the side of the road and places the vehicle in park, I would assume that would be ok.    BTW some states still allow use of handheld cellphone devices, there's no studies that validate the use of hands free devices allows for safer driving.   I can see at times where operational a driver may have to use a cellphone for a very short time while driving.
RM

[commando1]

 In TN only texting is outlawed. As a personal practice I do not have long conversations over the phone while driving. It is not worth it. I will however call someone to check on something if it will take less than a minute or two. As a CAP practice I always call shotgun ('cause there is way more leg room up front). I handle all cellular communications for the driver unless they are personal (in which case we silence the phone). I don't think the radio is that big of a distraction for a driver becuase you don't have to dial a number, see who's calling or anything of that nature. You pick it up and press a button. That simple.    I believe that all cellular calls can wait while on a mission. Or if it is that pressing call another member in the vehicle (call the navigator, communications, co-pilot etc...)

[USAFgirl]

In Virginia, It is against the law to use your cellphone in any vehicle

[Eclipse]

In Virginia, It is against the law to use your cellphone in any vehicle

Incorrect, within the Commonwealth of Virgina, cell phone use is only prohibited for those with learner's permits / intermediate driver's licenses and school bus drivers.

Texting while driving is prohibited for all unless reporting an emergency, however is is not a primary-enforceable offense.