Dover safety specialist helps reduce vehicle mishaps

Published July 2, 2013
By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Tim Hahn, 436th Airlift Wing Safety Office occupational safety and health specialist, was recently recognized for his abilities as an instructor and awarded with the 2012 Defensive Driving Courses "Alive at 25" U.S. Air Force Instructor of the Year.

In 2003, Dover Air Force Base had 29 Airmen who received driving under the influence charges, prompting base leadership to look for a solution. In 2007, after a few ineffective courses, Dover safety personnel consulted with other bases and introduced a new course, which has proved to be more successful.

"Dover is having lower DUI and mishap rates because of our choice to switch to 'Alive at 25'," said Hahn. "The old programs we had were good products, but what makes 'Alive at 25' a superior product is that it's largely a human factor and operational risk management oriented course."

Hahn has been with the wing safety office since 2004, and in that time he has graduated more than 2,000 individuals through the course.

"The nice thing about this course is, with an average of 20 students per class, they will hear many different ideas and will interact with their peers," said Hahn. "This makes the information and class flow a whole lot smoother."

Hahn believes he is not the only reason for the drop in mishaps.

"I can't take that credit alone," Hahn said. "Dover Airmen Against Drunk Driving and the Wingman concept are very important; all I did was provide a good educational stepping stone."

The briefing has been incorporated into the First Term Airman's Center course, ensuring Airmen new to the Air Force get this vital information.

"I loved the class," said Airman 1st Class Michael White, 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief and the 2,000th graduate of the class. "It was a very good learning experience. It made me reflect on my driving experience and what bad decisions can cause."
The class counts as a defensive driving course and can save students 20 percent on their car insurance.

"The course is free if you take it on base," said Kevin Greene, 436th Airlift Wing ground safety. "If you were to take this same course off-base, it could run you up to $125 per person depending on the state, and may not be as interactive as Tim makes it."

Hahn is one of only about three master instructors stateside for the Air Force.

"Tim does a great job with the course and people he has trained," said Greene. "But, there is still a need for more volunteer instructors from other units on base."

Greene said he wasn't surprised that Hahn nabbed the National Safety Council Award.

"With all the time and energy he has put into the program, the award is well deserved," said Greene. "He has done such a great job with the program. Nothing has stopped him from helping the Airmen of this base get the education they need to be safe."