Harsh reality of safety over holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Eglin Airmen received a wakeup call about the harsh reality of drunk driving during the Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign held at the Eglin Conference Center Nov. 21. 

On average, one person is killed by a drunk driver in the U.S. every 40 minutes, according to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving website. About three in every 10 Americans will be involved in a n alcohol-related auto accident in their lives, which is why it is vital over the upcoming holidays Airmen take the time to evaluate travel plans to ensure safety is their number one priority. MADD is an organization created in 1980 to "stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinkin." 

"If we could just impact the life of just one person, then that is one life that could save countless more," said Alayna Thompson, Occupation Health and Safety Technologist. 

The Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign offered Airmen statistics and facts about the consequences of driving under the influence as well as the responsibility they have to ensure they have safe travels over upcoming holidays. 

Sgt. Rick Hord, Sandy Reif Sheriff Department, a 19-year veteran police officer, spoke to Airmen about the truth behind myths and gave them a law-enforcement perspective on DUIs. 

"Everyone has loved ones, so if you can't drink responsibly for your own well-being, do it for the ones you care about," said Sergeant Hord. "A common belief is if you eat something after consuming alcohol, you'll sober up. That is simply naïve. Alcohol will still be in your system, it's just going to be absorbed at a slower rate." 

Studies show the existence of drunk driving laws have little impact on the propensity to drink and drive, while perception of enforcement of those laws and the probability of being detected have a deterrent effect. 

"Success lies in the actual apprehension and conviction of drinking drivers, not policies and laws,' said Officer Hord. "Frequent publicized and highly visible sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities by up to 24 percent." 

More police checkpoints are being funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and MADD. These checkpoints may increase the probability of conviction and the severity of punishment should decrease violations. 

By explaining Florida's fines for first-time offenders, the officer was able to give the financial perspective to getting a DUI. One can be fined no less than $500 but no more than $1,000, not including attorney fees or any property damages. Fifty hours of community service is mandatory and one year of probation can be expected. One will also be imprisoned for at least eight hours, but no more than six months. 

"Some people wonder why we put them in jail for eight hours," said Sergeant Hord. "So you can sober up!" 

During the holiday season safety should be a paramount concern and it would behoove Airman to keep this foremost in their minds. 

"If any of your activities involve alcohol, have a plan and designate a driver. We also encourage you to use available services like Airman Against Drunk Driving, or stay over at the host's house, even sleep in your car if necessary," said Ms. Thompson. "Any of those options are better than a DUI, or possibly causing someone else's tragedy."