"Street Smart" program kicks off Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign

  • 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. 13.

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. 

"The bottom line is I need you to be alive," said Brig. Gen. David Harris, 96th Test Wing commander, in his opening remarks.  "I need you to be able to do your mission.  Your commanders, supervisors and families are all counting on you to be safe.  Drinking or texting while driving distracts you from paying attention while on the road.  If you become tired while driving, find somewhere safe to pull over until you're able to continue.  Please enjoy the holiday season, be safe and come back in 2015, ready to execute the mission even better than before."

Ralph Jimenez and Gregg McCarty, 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.

Airman 1st Class Andrew McWilliams, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was chosen from the audience to act as 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, McWilliams felt the gravity sink in of what could happen to him in a real accident.

"It made me think about the consequences those actions could have on my friends and family," the 19-year-old Gainesville, Fla. native said.  "It made me think more than twice about drinking and driving."

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

"We hope everyone who sees this presentation walks out, steps back and makes the right choices while driving during the holiday season," Jimenez said.  "If they go out and drink, make sure they have a designated driver and wear their seat belts.  We want our Airmen and civilians to come back from the holiday season safe."