Soldiers’ awareness, safety important during National Drunk, Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Pentagram

By Jim Dresbach Pentagram, Staff Writer

December 20, 2018

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and the Army is raising awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The holiday season is the time of the year when drunk and impaired driving accidents are most prevalent. During 3-D Month, Soldiers are being made aware to avoid riding in vehicles where drivers are operating vehicles or machinery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and under no circumstances should a service member get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drugs (for example, marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths while drunk driving accidents account for 31 percent of all motor vehicle accidents.

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Army Substance Abuse Program Prevention Coordinator George Suber said 3-D Month is targeted toward keeping Soldiers safe through the holiday season and during the entire calendar year.

“(3-D Month) is a program designed to make the military aware of being safe when driving,” Suber said. “Don’t drink and drive and don’t take drugs and drive. The 3-D goals are basically to make service members aware of this time and period. It’s the holiday time. It’s the time of celebrating. There’s a little more drinking, there’s more office parties and house parties. Make yourself aware of being responsible during this time as well as during the year.”

Company, regiment, and platoon members are urged to be mindful and alert for those who may be impaired by alcohol or drugs. The physical traits of a battle buddy or fellow Soldier who has been drinking or is impaired by drugs varies from person to person, but general signs of an impaired person include glassy eyes, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and a flushed (red) face.

Dr. Jennifer Blake, deputy for Clinical Services at Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic, mentioned alcohol and drug use changes and slows motor skills and reaction times.

“(Service members) should be looking out for somebody who’s had more to drink than they should or if they used substances that can alter their behavior,” Blake said. “Inhibitions get decreased. With a decrease in inhibitions, you may think that you are able to perform greater than what you can, but your reaction time is going to be slow in operating any type of heavy machinery. You are not going to be able to stop as fast as you would like to when you’re driving.”

The following list includes a few simple tips for celebrating and driving safely this holiday season:

• Designate a nondrinking driver ahead of time.
• If drinking alcohol at a party or other celebration, allow at least one hour between drinks. It takes one hour to get rid of one drink from an individual’s (one drink is equal to a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1-ounce shot of liquor).
• Set limits beforehand of the number of drinks to have and stick with it.
• Alternate drinking alcoholic beverages with soda, juice or water and eat food.
• Don’t mix alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription medications.
• Don’t ride with someone who is impaired. Use other means of transportation such as a taxi, public transportation, or a driver who is sober.
• If an individual is hosting a party, here are some steps to take to help guests drive safely:
• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
• Collect each guest’s keys upon arrival and store in a designated basket.
• Serve foods along with alcohol-free beverages such as soda, juice, or water.
• If making an alcoholic punch, use fruit juice instead of a carbonated drink. Alcohol absorbs faster into the blood stream when mixed with carbonated drinks.
• Stop serving alcohol hours before the party ends.

Health officials urge if an individual takes a medication that makes them drowsy, do not drive. The Army Substance Abuse Program team suggests a battle buddy, a sober service member, or a car-ride service can assist a person in reaching a destination.

Military District of Washington service members have the advantage of picking up a free ride home during the holiday season. Through Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide, anyone can receive a free ride-sharing trip (up to $15) in the Washington, D.C., coverage area from Dec. 14 until Jan. 1, 2019. Participates must be 21 years of age to qualify for a ride. To learn more about SoberRide, visit www.SoberRide.com for a ride code.