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Think BEFORE You Drink!

  • Published
  • By Rita Hess
  • Staff Writer
Winter 2014 --  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most Americans--97 percent--say that impaired driving is a threat to their community. Think about that ... 97 percent is an overwhelming majority! Yet about 40 percent of all vehicle crash deaths involve alcohol. So how is it that most Americans think it is dangerous to drive impaired but alcohol plays a role in so many fatal vehicle accidents? I have a theory, and I'll let a guy named Bob represent the average Airman in my explanation.

Bob is in the majority that believes impaired driving threatens his community, but he doesn't "think" of himself as a threat. Bob goes to a holiday party and a buddy offers him a beer. A few hours later, he has another. Bob "thinks" he allowed plenty of time in between the two drinks, so he "thinks" he can handle getting behind the wheel.

Bob "thinks" nothing will happen on the way home. It's only a short drive from the party or the pub, so Bob "thinks" he can make it safely. He knows a back way and has never seen a cop on that stretch of road, so he doesn't "think" he'll see any there on this particular night, either. Bob only had a few beers--not a mixed drink with scotch or whiskey or anything like that--and he doesn't "think" he is that buzzed. If he does happen to get stopped, he "thinks" he can pass a field sobriety test.

Do you see the problem? There is a lot of "thinking" going on.

More accurately, I contend that there is NO thinking going on. Bob doesn't think he has had too much to drink. He doesn't think he'll get pulled over. He doesn't think about the ramifications of a DUI.* He doesn't think about what might happen if he kills someone. Bob just doesn't think.

This holiday season, I challenge you to think before you drink. Think about whether you are in that 97 percent who believes that impaired driving is a threat to your community. Think about what you have to lose if you get caught. Think about whether you are willing to risk being in that 40 percent of vehicle crashes that involve alcohol and result in a fatality--where you end up dead or you kill someone else.

For the sake of your friends, your family and your future, don't be like Bob! Have a safe holiday season!


In 2012, the 21- to 24-year-old age group had the highest percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with BAC levels of .08 or higher - 32 percent.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration


Possible Consequences of a DUI

If you're caught driving on base under the influence, your commander may either offer you nonjudicial punishment, also known as an Article 15, or prefer charges against you, initiating a court-martial. Nonjudicial punishments can include reduction in rank, forfeitures, extra duties, restriction to base, and a reprimand. Maximum punishment at a court-martial for UCMJ, Article 111, Drunken Operation of a Vehicle includes a Bad Conduct Discharge, six months confinement, reduction to E-1, and total forfeitures.

Also, if you drink and drive you may have to:

1. Pay for, attend, and pass an alcohol education or driver safety class.

2. Give up driving or drive with a "provisional" license that limits where you go and when.

3. Find new insurance, pay higher insurance premiums, and/or carry expensive high-risk insurance.

4. Obtain an SR-22, a document that provides proof of a required level of insurance coverage (depending on the state you live in).

5. Serve jail time.

6. Have an ignition lock device on your vehicle.

7. Pay expensive fines and court fees.

8. Live with a DUI on your permanent driving record, which can cost you potential job and/or certain educational opportunities.

9. Pay to get your vehicle out of impoundment.

10. Live the rest of your life knowing you killed someone.


*The Difference between DUI and DWI
The terms DUI and DWI pertain to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances. DUI means "driving under the influence," while DWI stands for "driving while intoxicated." In some states, the terms are used interchangeably. In other states, DWI is a more serious offense.