WASHINGTON -- There are a lot of good things that go well together during the holidays - cocoa and marshmallows, snow and sleds, friends and laughter. But there are two things that should never be associated together: drinking and driving.
The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the deadliest
and most dangerous times on America's roadways due to an increase in impaired
driving. Airmen are not immune, or exempt, from the tragedies that can result from
this risky behavior. Keep these things in mind to prevent tragedy from striking you, or
someone else:
- Plan ahead - whenever you plan to consume alcohol, make sure you designate a
sober wingman before going out and give that person your keys
- If you're impaired, call a sober friend or family member to pick you up. Many
bases have programs like "Airmen Against Drunk Driving," where volunteers will
provide a ride home for Airmen who are unable to drive themselves
- Report drivers you suspect are impaired to law enforcement officials
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take his/her
keys and help make other arrangements to get him/her home safely
- Violators can face prison time, loss of their driver's license, increased insurance
rates and other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, court fines and costs,
car towing, repairs and lost time from work
- People who refuse to take a sobriety test can lose their licenses on the spot and
have their cars impounded
- There is also the embarrassment, humiliation and potential loss and
consequence after informing family, friends and your leadership
Enjoy this holiday season, but be wise about how you celebrate. Remember two
words that always go well together: arrive alive.