COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A tougher policy concerning driving and cell phone use goes into effect New Year's Day at the Air Force Academy. Beginning Thursday, motorists will lose their driving privileges for a full week if pulled over by security personnel for using hand-held cell phones while driving at the Academy. The new policy follows a recent ban on drivers talking on their cell phone without a hands-free device such as a headset or speaker.

The new policy includes an immediate seven-day suspension of base driving privileges for violating the new rules. It applies to anyone who operates a vehicle on base, including military members, civilians, contractors and family members.

The policy was approved based on the latest National Transportation Safety Administration statistics, which indicate approximately 25 percent of all motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to driver inattention or distraction.