Holiday traffic safety campaign begins with “Street Smart” program

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The annual Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign was held at the Enlisted Heritage Hall here Nov. 9.

The campaign was presented by the 96th Test Wing safety office to remind both Airmen and civilians about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; not wearing seat belts; and texting or e-mailing while driving.

“A lot of people don’t think accidents will happen to them, especially over the holidays,” said Col. Shane Haughian, 96th TW chief of safety.  “We as safety professionals know they can happen.  We hope that whatever we can impart today will prevent our Airmen and civilians from getting into accidents.”

Haughian listed three reasons why attendance of the Street Smart program is important: traffic fatalities increase by 34 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s; Airmen aged 25 are in the at-risk demographic to get into an automobile accident; and the local area has some of the most dangerous roads in the country.

The challenges presented to the attendees were accountability and being good wingmen, he said.

David Dittman and Greg McCarty presented “Street Smart,” an hour-long program that combined slides, video and audience participation to show real-life, often graphic accounts of people who suffered the consequences of driving after using alcohol or drugs.

The Tampa firefighters also presented options attendees could utilize to make rational, responsible choices for their safety and well-being.

Airman 1st Class Joshua Young, 96th Security Forces Squadron, was chosen from the audience to portray a car accident victim being transported to a hospital.  During each step of the process, the instructors related the possible short and long-term scenarios he could face from suffering both internal and external injuries.

Young, who comes from a family of medical professionals, heard many stories of tragic injuries related to drunk driving.  However, being strapped to a spinal board and the simulated poking, prodding and tubes inserted into his body made the scenario real for him.

“It was terrifying,” Young said. “It was mind-blowing, knowing I couldn’t move and being subject their will.”

Young said he won’t be a holiday traffic accident statistic.

“Absolutely not.  I have a career to think about,” he said.

McCarty said for him, the most gripping part of the presentation is watching the audience witness their fellow Airmen being brought on stage to participate in a simulated accident.

“It’s always startling to watch the audience process that situation,” he said.  “Even though they know it’s not real, it’s still jarring for them to watch us strap one of their buddies to a board; simulate using all the tubes and needles; and imagine undergoing the possible surgery scenarios we describe, in great detail.”

Dittman hoped the attendees left the presentation with a plan to stay safe during the holidays.

“We want them to use common sense, use a designated driver and maintain safety so they can continues their military careers,” he said.  “We’re not telling anyone not to have fun, just to have fun responsibly.”