News

DUI All Call spreads awareness, education to young Airmen

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Think before you drink. Have a plan in place for a way to get home - then use it - if you're out with friends. And if you don't have a wingman, find a good one for support.

Because if you do drink and drive, members of the Houston County Sheriff's Office traffic enforcement unit want you to know you will get caught. And when you do, there will be consequences, including hefty fines, probation, community service and court costs. It's also lives that can't be replaced.

Is it worth it to risk your own life and the innocent lives of others sharing the road?

Providing stories, statistics, education and awareness on the history, impact, symptoms and myths of alcohol consumption were part of a July 2 DUI All Call for Robins Airmen 26 years old and younger.

Cpl. Justin Hall, a crash investigator with HCSO, has seen it all. If you're ever involved in a DUI crash, he is processing the scene, something he described as violent, graphic and completely preventable.

According to Hall, it's an individual decision whether or not to drink and drive, and it's a voluntary one at that. He said everyone always wants to be given a number on how many drinks are too many in order to drive.

"The number is zero," he said.

As part of last week's presentation, the sheriff's office showed a video of people under the influence, along with explicit images of fatal car crashes as a result.

"Alcohol affects your vision, your information processing, short term memory, judgment and decision making, your balance, quick reactions and small muscle control," he said.

Hall said driving on the road will be the most dangerous thing we do today, and with motor vehicle accidents being the "leading killer of non-natural death for age groups between 3 and 35," driving under the influence only adds to the danger.

"On average, one in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime," he said. "When you get a phone call in the middle of the night, usually something bad has happened right? There are two things you can tell somebody, 'Hey I need a ride,' or 'I need you to come bail me out.'"
"Which one do you think is more likely to happen?"

Col. Chris Hill, Installation commander, spoke briefly to the audience of several hundred to caution on the consequences of getting a DUI and to remind everyone about available base support.

When Airmen were asked if they liked their Air Force careers during one of three scheduled all calls, all hands were raised.

"Your careers are at stake," Hill said. "What am I asking you to do? Have a plan. Stick to your plan. I need you all to be smart about being stupid ... you have a wingman, you have a plan. You need to be smart, and you better not get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you've been drinking alcohol.

"You had to be smart to get into the Air Force. You better be smart while you're in the Air Force," he added.

The All Calls were held in coordination with the Integrated Delivery System. Airmen who need a ride can call Airmen Against Drunk Driving, an organization of volunteers who assist members with rides home when there is no designated driver. The number is 478-222-0013.