"Street Smart" program kicks off Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs

The annual Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign was held at the Enlisted Heritage Hall here Nov. 12.

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

"I care about each and every one of you," said Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, 96th Test Wing commander, in his opening remarks.  "Every single person is critical to the mission.  Your commanders, supervisors, chiefs and shirts all care about you.  They want every one of you to come back after the holidays.  Don't be concerned about just yourselves - look out for your wingman, too.  None of us are bullet-proof.  I want to see you all back here with smiles on your faces, after the holidays."

Ronny Garcia and Natalie Brown, Florida Stay Alive From Education instructors, 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 S.A.F.E. instructors also presented options attendees could utilize to make rational, responsible choices for their safety and well-being.

2nd Lt. Cole Finnerty, of the 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 both internal and external injuries.

While strapped to a spinal board with simulated intravenous tubes attached to him, the Huntsville, Ala. native felt the impact of what could happen to him in a real car accident.

"Being a volunteer at the campaign opened my eyes as to how much a seat belt can help," Finnerty said. "Where I'm from, seat belts were not really thought about because of all the country back roads. Seeing pictures where people in back seats, had their teeth lodged into the front seat passenger's heads, really made me think about all the times I never wore a seat belt while in the back seat. Also, the amount of needles used to help prevent further bleeding and injury, really make you wonder why anyone would ever think about not using a seatbelt. Not a fan of needles!"

Garcia said the "Street Smart" program is designed to heighten safety awareness and prevent injuries and fatalities that can result from making poor choices.

"This is the time when we all go home and enjoy our families," he said.  "We hope the Airmen will take what we've presented into consideration and make the right choices when they're on the road."

Brown watched the crowd react to the graphic scenes during the presentation.  "I think the presentation had a huge impact on them," she said.  "I hope it made them realize what could happen in an accident, make the right choices and pass the information on to their family members."