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Think before drinking and driving

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Rachelle Smith
  • 92nd Medical Operations Squadron
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  After being charged with Driving Under the Influence, 85 percent of Airmen who are evaluated by the Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program reported that they "felt fine" when they got behind the wheel.

"Due to the presence of significant levels of alcohol in the bloodstream, impairment often leads to one feeling they are 'fine'," said Staff Sgt. Kassi Roquemore, NCO in charge of ADAPT. "Alcohol impairs judgment. Impaired judgment could lead to choices that can jeopardize careers and impact lives."

In 2011 there were 24 DUIs at Fairchild Air Force Base compared to nine DUIs in 2010. The 18 to 25 year old age group accounted for 76 percent of the DUIs in 2011. 11 of the DUIs occurred between September and December. December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and ADAPT has teamed up with numerous agencies to help educate Airmen in this age group about alcohol use and abuse with events like the DUI Fair held on December 4.

"100 attendees out of the 135 Airmen were within the 18 to 25 year target age group. The number of DUIs in 2012 has decreased to eight, because of events like these," said Captain Matthew Willerick, ADAPT program manager.

In 2010, alcohol contributed to nearly 42 percent of all traffic fatalities in Washington. This number includes 194 fatal car accidents, in which 25 drivers had a blood alcohol concentration of less than .07. Any amount of alcohol can result in an accident where a fatality or injury occurs.

Responsible drinking can be defined as alcohol use that does not negatively impact one's family, work or health. It is important to be aware of the reasons behind consumption. Using it to manage or mask difficult emotions can and often leads to negative outcomes.

"Remain alert to patterns of alcohol use that may negatively be impacted by life satisfaction, work performance and emotional stability," said Willerick.

Historically, alcohol is part of our culture. Combining alcohol use with other activities including driving routinely leads to negative consequences, said Roquemore.

"Alcohol can be enjoyed responsibly given a high degree of self-awareness, good planning and sober decision making," said Roquemore. "Please remember to be responsible and never get behind the wheel after drinking."

For more information, call 247-2731.