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‘Drunk Busters’ shows Airmen effects of drunk driving

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Spangdahlem Airmen navigated their way through "Drunk Busters," an obstacle course that simulates impairment caused by drinking alcohol, at the movie theater parking lot Oct. 22, 2012.

The 52nd Medical Operations Squadron's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program and 52nd Fighter Wing leadership organized the event to prevent driving under the influence, alcohol abuse and alcohol related incidents by raising awareness of the effects of alcohol.

A reason they hope to raise awareness is because a wing-wide survey showed 19 percent of the base admitted to driving after drinking, and 55 percent prevented people from drinking and driving in the last year.

"People usually come into my office saying 'I felt fine' when they drove under the influence," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kara Taylor, 52nd MDOS ADAPT program director from Pittsburg "When intoxicated people don't understand how they're affected by alcohol. It's really important to do this course with a sober mind because people can actually see the affect alcohol has on them."

The program also received 25 referrals as a result of DUIs this year. Taylor said she hopes this course aids in reducing that number.

"This event is invaluable for our Airmen," said U.S. Air Force Col. Dave Julazadeh, 52nd FW commander, after going through the course. "When you drink, you don't realize how much it affects your balance and coordination. A lot of folks here are young and may not realize the effects of drinking and driving; this course along with many other programs we offer is our way of ensuring they are aware.

"The last thing I want to do is call your mom and tell her you died or killed someone else's son or daughter because you were drinking and driving," he added.

Airmen went through several obstacles during the course to include a driving course with a peddle go-cart, throwing and catching exercises, walking a straight line and picking up objects all while wearing drunk-goggles. The drunk-goggles simulated various blood alcohol content levels ranging from 0.04 to 0.25. These alcohol levels impair coordination, peripheral vision, alertness and reaction time. They also cause confusion, visual distortion, altered depth perception and double vision.

As Airmen went through the course they ran over several traffic cones and stumbled through various field sobriety tests.

"It was a wake-up call realizing how difficult things are when you're drunk," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cole Stover, 480th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons loader from Matilda, Penn. "When you're drunk you usually don't realize you can't see straight, but being sober with the drunk-goggles on makes it so much more difficult to do simple tasks like catching a ball."

ADAPT members also shared alcohol consumption information including blood alcohol content levels, serving sizes and how long it takes one drink to metabolize. They also reviewed potential military and local government DUI consequences including loss of rank, a 60-day restriction to base, 45 days extra duty, loss of pay, 30 days confinement, a reprimand, and driving privileges revoked for up to one year.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Michele Shelton, 52nd MDOS commander from Charleston, S.C., said if people think they have a problem with alcohol consumption they should seek help through ADAPT. Seeking help can prevent the potential of more severe problems.

For more information or to seek help, call DSN 452-8321 or 06565-61-8321.




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