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Driving while distracted or impaired is dangerous and doing so can have devastating consequences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,179 people died in motor vehicle accidents caused by a distracted or impaired driver in the United States in 2014.
The Street Smart briefing, held at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 13 and 14, presented the dangers of driving to nearly 400 Airmen. Each presentation was provided by members of Stay Alive from Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to making people aware of the dangers of driving while intoxicated, texting and driving, failing to wear seat belts and the trauma associated with those behaviors.
"The presentation is basically a live demonstration of what happens in the aftermath of an injury or fatal car accident from the perspective of first responders," said Tech. Sgt. Latricia Johnson, 60th Air Mobility Wing occupational safety specialist.
Imagery and video clips from vehicle accidents were displayed to emphasize the risks of driving while distracted or impaired.
"The accident scene photos helped drive the point home to our Airmen," Johnson said. "It showed them their decisions impact more than themselves. Their decisions impact their families, friends, coworkers and the Air Force. Every Airman matters; we need each individual to keep the mission going."
Each presentation also featured two volunteers playing the roles of victims. For Airman 1st Class Darren Wall, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production apprentice, the exercise felt very real.
"I lost my Uncle John when I was seven years old and my father's cousin when I was 15 because of drunk drivers," Wall said. "Actually seeing every step of how some bad decisions can lead to an accident, and possibly the loss of life, was an intense experience."
In the scenario, Wall was out drinking with some friends and decided to drive. Wall and his friend, Airman 1st Class Dakota Young, 60th CES electrical power production apprentice (also a role player), wanted to continue the party elsewhere. Young was in the front passenger seat when Wall crashed in a simulated head-on collision with three vehicles.
The accident resulted in the death of Wall's friend and serious injuries to Wall. Paramedics carefully secured Wall to a table. Then they quickly began treating his injuries, as if they were responding to a real accident.
"At one point they explained that they would have to cut through my ribs to remove pressure from my lungs so they could properly inflate," Wall said. "I also heard them say I would likely be paralyzed and probably lose my Air Force career because I would likely be tried for manslaughter after killing my friend."
His friend said he thought about his family.
"My family would've been devastated if I died and left them without a son," Young said. "I can only imagine the pain they would feel."
Wall and Young said the Street Smart briefing gave them a new perspective on life and they have some advice for their fellow Airmen.
"Don't drink and drive, don't text and drive and wear your seat belt," Young said. "Think about your family and what they would go through before you take an unnecessary risk. One bad choice could lead to a family losing a loved one or having to care for their loved one for the rest of their lives."
"If you choose to look down at your phone, you may have an accident and you may come away with a few scratches, but a family of six in a SUV could have been killed in the crash," Wall added. "You wouldn't want to live with knowing you did that."
For more information about Street Smart, visit www.safeprogram.com.
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2016 15:25 |
| Story ID: | 198655 |
| Location: | TRAVIS AFB, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Street Smart: Driving can be dangerous, by TSgt James Hodgman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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