USFJ launches Drugged and Drunk Driving prevention campaign

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Jean-Paul | The signed 2016 Drugged and Drunk Driving Proclamation hangs in the Marine Corps Installation headquarters building Pacific Dec 6, 2016 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The proclamation signifies the start of a safety and awareness program designed to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related automobile incidents on Okinawa. According to Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, the Okinawa Area Coordinator, although the number of drugged and drunk driving incidents is down from last year, it is important that safety and responsibility continue to be instilled in all service members.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

12.06.2016

Story by Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

December is National Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention month and the leaders of U.S. Forces Japan in Okinawa kicked off their 2016 Drugged and Drunk Driving (3D) prevention campaign Dec. 6 aboard Camp Foster.

Started in 1982 by President Ronald Reagan, National Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention month was created to increase awareness of the dangers of driving impaired.

The annual campaign is a Marine Corps wide safety and awareness program designed to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related automobile incidents.

With alcohol on tap at many holiday parties, not to mention the emotional and financial stresses the holidays can place on service members stationed abroad, it is critical that even more of an emphasis is put on the importance of responsible drinking during the holidays.

Marine Lt. Gen. Larry Nicholson, Marine Maj. Gen. Joaquin Malavet, Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Cornish, Navy Capt. Robert Mathewson and Army Col. Derek Jansen signed a 3D Campaign Proclamation, stating their intent to crack down on drugged and drunk driving incidents.

According to Nicholson, the Okinawa Area Coordinator, although the number of drugged and drunk driving incidents is down from last year, it is important that safety and responsibility continues to be instilled in all service members.

“We will continue to work hard in order to limit the number of incidents,” said Nicholson. “One case is too many. We owe it to ourselves and the citizens of Okinawa to eliminate all cases. We will continue to teach our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines the importance of responsible drinking and the dangers of driving impaired.”

During the month of December, law enforcement agencies across Okinawa will be promoting safe and responsible driving through awareness and continued strict enforcement of traffic regulations. There will also be an increase in the amount of roadside safety and sobriety checkpoints aboard military installations.

“Cooperation between military law enforcement and Japanese police departments is paramount,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Loney, Provost Marshal for Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “This campaign is another showcase of the continued solidarity and teamwork between us. We will continue to work together in order to keep the roads of Okinawa safe for both military personnel and Okinawa citizens safe.”

• Date Taken: 12.06.2016
• Date Posted: 12.07.2016 02:19
• Story ID: 216670
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP