'Save A Life' -- Don't drink and drive

Tech. Sgt. Johann Ochoa, 305th Medical Group ADAPT NCO in charge, tries the drinking and driving simulator during the Save A Life tour visit Oct. 29 at the Airmen’s Firehouse. The Save A Life tour travels around the country -- to high schools, colleges and military installations -- to spread the word about the realities of drinking and driving. The drinking and driving simulator gives participants a completely realistic, sober perspective of the effects of driving while intoxicated. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy)

'Save A Life' - Don't drink and drive

Published Oct. 29, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Meet 5-year-old Jack. His photo is posted on the Save A Life tour trailer and Web site. He was killed by a drunk driver.

Unfortunately, his is just one of many tragic stories when it comes to drinking and driving. Jack didn't have a choice that day, but the drunk driver did. The Save A Life Tour, a national alcohol awareness program, aims to stop these tragedies altogether.

The tour travels around the country -- to high schools, colleges and military installations -- to spread the word about the realities of drinking and driving.

The tour stopped by McGuire Oct. 29 with the only drinking and driving simulator in the nation that gives participants a completely realistic, sober perspective of the effects of driving while intoxicated.

"Hopefully, our simulator shows people the real dangers of drinking and driving," a Save A Life Tour representative said. "We're also hoping, if someone is intoxicated, their friends will simply take their keys."

During each participant's turn, the simulator goes from zero to 11. As the number increases, more of a delay is added to the brakes and steering, which simulates an intoxicated driver's delayed response time. The participant also has to account for different weather conditions, road signs and other drivers.

Airmen, in particular, have heard it a million times - don't drink and drive. Even one drink is too many. Next time you're out with friends though, remember Jack. He didn't have a choice, but you do. Is that one drink worth risking your life, or worse - someone else's?