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Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving saves increase, DUI’s decrease

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  In 2007, Scott Air Force Base reported 28 Driving Under the Influence charges, a very sharp increase from the 19 DUI's in 2006. To combat this trend, Scott AFB created the Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving group.

The group's mission is to "provide a free, sober, and confidential ride home for DoD ID card holders, who have had one drink or just one drink too many."

During the next few years their number of "saves," or rides homes, quickly increased as the number of DUI's steadily decreased.

The chart below compares the number of DUI's to the number of saves from 2007 to 2009.

Year DUI's Saves
2007 28 85
2008 21 98
2009 17 147

In the first two quarters of 2010, there have been only seven DUI's and almost 80 saves. For the volunteers, these numbers mean a lot, not only in decreased DUI's, but also in lives protected from drunk drivers.

"Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is totally preventable," said Staff Sgt. Shina Williamson, AFADD president. "I volunteer to help people get home safely so their loved ones can see them the next day."

AFADD offers free rides available 24 hours a day, and is 100 percent confidential. If someone is in need of their service, they simply need to call 256-HOME (4663). At that time, a two-person team consisting of one male and one female, will travel up to 25 miles to pick up the person or persons in need of the safe ride home.

"The AFADD program exists to be a Wingman to all, no questions asked," said Tech. Sgt. Mathias Gassen, AFADD equipment custodian.

AFADD is an unfunded, volunteer-run program. Volunteers can be active duty members, civilians from Scott AFB or family members. People interested in volunteering or those seeking more information can visit www.scottafb-afadd.com, or e-mail scott.afadd@scott.af.mil.

Senior Airman Brandy Hamm, AFADD vice president, said, "AFADD was designed to preserve the safety of our fellow Wingman as well as their careers. Not only does this help our military community, but it helps ensure we are acting responsibly and leave a good impression in the local community. By taking responsibility for one another, we ultimately ensure everyone's safety."