Tour visits Scott in hopes of saving lives Published Sept. 12, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Save a Life Tour from Grand Rapids, Mich., visited Scott at the Scott Club Sept. 4 to promote alcohol awareness. "The importance can't be emphasized enough. The intent is to educate folks to make good judgment decisions," said Col. Gary Goldstone, 375th Airlift Wing commander. "Ultimately, when the time comes to take the keys, a good wingman needs to step in so that we don't lose one of our own." All Scott personnel were invited, but Airmen ages 18-26 were required to attend the event. "We want to speak to as many people as possible to eliminate DUI's through education and 0-0-1-3," said Marilee Reuter, 375th AW safety office. The term 0-0-1-3 stands for zero underage drinking, zero DUI's, one drink per hour and three drinks per day. Groups were seen in 30 minute increments. Airmen were then able to experience a simulator as well as view videos of tragedies caused by alcohol. A coffin was also on display to add to the reality of loss associated with alcohol. "I think it's a great idea and graphic and visual presentation," said Lt. Col. Robert Vanhoose, 375th AW Safety chief. The simulator is made to feel like a real car with all the functions a normal car has. Around the chair are five monitors to simulate the visual aspects of a driver. The simulator also incorporates different driving conditions to add to its realism. The goal of the simulator is for the driver to get through 11 levels safe and without getting pulled over. The twist is that with each level or every 20 seconds, the intoxication level raises. This causes a delay with the gas pedal and brakes exemplifying slow reflexes. Essentially, the car gets drunk. Not to mention, there are also other drunk drivers in the simulator. By the time the driver reaches level 11, reflexes are delayed approximately one second. Most drivers did not reach level 11 in the four minute time frame. With delayed reaction, all of the Airmen began to swerve. Swerving is something most people associate with drunk driving, however, only 15 percent of fatal alcohol-related accidents are caused by swerving. Tunnel vision is associated with 75 percent of fatal alcohol-related accidents, but other drivers cannot see that. Second Lt. Daniel Hoffman, 375th Communications Support Squadron executive, was the first Airman at Scott to experience the simulator. "Once the DUI part started getting to me, it was hard to control, which is why I drove slowly," said Lieutenant Hoffman. Scott was the first of 34 bases to receive the Save a Life Tour.