December is National Drunk, Drugged Driving Prevention month

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. C. Michaela Walrond
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
 Every 31 minutes someone in the U.S. dies from an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash, and every two minutes someone is non-fatally injured according to 2006 statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

With December being National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention month, personnel involved in Hanscom's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Demand Drug Reduction programs are working hard to ensure that employees are aware of the dangers of impaired driving.

This month's awareness program was designed to help prevent impaired driving by educating the public of the dangers involved, and promoting the use of designated drivers and sober ride programs, such as the base's Hanscom Against Drunk Driving program, said Elaine Dea, ADAPT program manager.

"Though the holidays bring joy in celebrations, they also bring a tragic increase in the incidence of impaired driving. Every Airman needs to reaffirm his or her personal responsibility to driving free from alcohol and other drugs, and preventing others from driving under the influence. It is important to plan ahead and designate sober volunteer drivers so that all arrive home safely and do not injure others on the road," Ms. Dea said.

In a Feb. 20 Hansconian Commentary, Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander, reflected on the Air Force's campaign to establish a Culture of Responsible Choices (CoRC) -- a way to transition from "work hard, play hard" to "work hard, play smart."

He said, "The program was launched last year as a means of encouraging each of us to make responsible decisions."

Now, as we enter the holiday season, Colonel Schluckebier says that CoRC is more relevant than ever. "The real power of cultural change lies in the individual Airman who makes responsible decisions by weighing risks and benefits and takes action to ensure we all play smart so we can continue to serve with honor and reflect positively on our great Air Force.

"Ensuring the safety of each Airman - military and civilian - is paramount. The consequences of drunk or drugged driving are serious, and impact not only the individual driving, but others on the road. If you decide to drink, make sure you have a plan to get home. If you are with others who are drinking, be a good Wingman and look out for their wellbeing. Looking out for one another and taking personal responsibility when it comes to drinking and driving helps ensure we all have a safe and festive holiday season and return to work refreshed, ready to accomplish the great Air Force mission," Colonel Schluckebier said.

As part of this month's awareness program, base individuals from ADAPT and DDRP will be available Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the entrance to the Hanscom Commissary to provide information on the risks of drunk and drugged driving. The team will also provide drunken driving goggles at the booth for individuals to try on and get a first hand look at the effects of impaired driving.

In addition to this event, Ms. Dea said that the community should be aware that Hanscom Against Drunk Driving is a resource that is available to them if they have been drinking and need someone to drive them home safely. The service is available to anyone with a valid Department of Defense identification card and is completely anonymous.

Those interested in using the service should call the HADD hotline at (781) 858-3364. Callers will need to provide their location, the number in their party and a brief description of their appearance so the responding driver will be able to identify them.

Callers will be driven to their homes for free; under no circumstances will callers be driven to another party or drinking establishment.

Drivers are available from 6 p.m. Fridays to 6 a.m. Mondays and can pick callers up from locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Southern New Hampshire.

For more information on Hanscom involvement in National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention month, contact Ms. Dea at (781) 377-2418.