EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The annual Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign was held at the Enlisted Heritage Hall here Nov. 1.
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, texting or e-mailing while driving and distracted driving.
“As you enjoy this most fun, but also this most dangerous of holidays, we encourage you to use good judgement, be a good wingman and show moral courage if your plans don’t work,” said Col. Shane Haughian, 96th TW chief of safety. “We want you to have a good holiday season and to come back safe.”
Haughian listed three reasons why the Street Smart program is important: the most traffic accidents and fatalities happen over the Christmas holidays, Airmen aged 25 and under 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.
Ronny Garcia and David Dittman 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 and paramedics also presented options attendees could utilize to make responsible, rational choices for their safety and well-being.
Airman 1st Class Tyler Spillman, 96th Logistics Readiness 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 internal and external injuries.
The married 21-year-old’s wake-up call was being strapped to a spinal board and experiencing the simulated poking, prodding and tubes inserted into his body.
“I try not to drive recklessly, but sometimes I do,” the Jacksonville, Fla. native admitted. “After the simulation, I realize I need to drive more carefully. I need to set a better example for myself and my wife.”
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 continue their military careers,” he said. “We’re not telling anyone not to have fun, just to have fun responsibly.”
Garcia said one of the Air Force’s most important programs is key to a good holiday season.
“We want everyone to use the Wingman program,” he said. “We want them to protect each other and keep each other safe.”