National Impaired Driving Crackdown

  • Published
  • By Michael Wolcott
  • 377th Air Base Wing Safety
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  When you joined the military, did you picture yourself in a pressed uniform, distinguished and respected, charged with protecting our nation and freedom? It's a great image, and it is the picture of an admirable career for many service members. For some, though, the picture is very different: handcuffed, confined and dishonorably discharged for taking away the very freedoms they swore to protect. Who does this describe? Those who drink, drive and kill.

Unfortunately, individuals who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs disregard public safety and contribute to a great loss of life. Across the United States in 2010, there were more than 10,000 fatalities in crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, accounting for 31 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year.

Even with such high risks, drunk driving is rampant. More than 1.4 million people are arrested annually for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. This is an average of 161 drunk drivers arrested per hour, making it one of our nation's top criminal offenses.

These losses critically affect our force and morale. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury for all military members. Large populations of service members are in high-risk driver categories, and motorcycle riders and young drivers are the most likely to be die in alcohol-related crashes. In 2010, the highest percentage of drivers in fatal crashes who had BAC levels at or above the legal limit of .08 was driver's ages 21 to 24. For motorcycle riders, the threat is even greater. The percentage of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes that had BAC levels of .08 or higher was 28 percent -- higher than for any other type of motor vehicle driver. Nighttime is especially hazardous for all, as the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2010 was four times higher at night than during the day.

The Labor Day holiday is traditionally a dangerous time. In 2010, 147 people were killed in traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend, involving an alcohol-impaired driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. For this reason, from August 17 through the Labor Day holiday, Kirtland AFB Security Forces is joining law enforcement efforts across the country to get impaired drivers off the road during the national alcohol-impaired driving crackdown, using intensified enforcement and sobriety checkpoints. The law enforcement message is clear: "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

As the unofficial end of summer, many will be out celebrating over Labor Day weekend. If you will be drinking alcohol, plan ahead. Take public transportation, make arrangements with a designated driver, or plan to spend the night. If you're not drinking, volunteer to be a designated driver. Also, wear your seat belt. It's always your best defense against other drivers.

Even for those who have made bad decisions and lost their right to serve, they are fortunate enough to still be alive. Decide today to always represent the honorable image of a service member, even on your personal time, because responsibility doesn't stop when engagement ends. Hold yourself to a higher standard -- it's your duty. If you don't, base and local law enforcement will be there to hold you accountable for your actions. Drive sober or get pulled over.