Continue success: Use ride card Published Nov. 29, 2006 By Col. Bryan Benson 71st Flying Training Wing Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Congratulations Team Vance on 46 days without an alcohol related incident. That is a good start and proof positive that your focus and efforts to remain "blotter free" are working. In the upcoming days and weeks, expect to see more initiatives on how those who want to include alcohol in part of their social activities can do so more responsibly. Did you know that alcohol is linked to more than 40 percent of our traffic fatalities, 72 percent of our assaults, 80 percent of suicides and 90 percent of sexual assaults? These statistics alone are sobering but when you include the impact to the mission, both in terms of victims and the perpetrators of the crimes, they are tragic. Judicial and non judicial punishments will likely be career killers in today's force shaping environment and students involved in alcohol related incidents face punishments that include elimination from formal training and possible discharge from active service. So, you have to ask yourself this question: Is my having a drink, then driving worth the risk? The answer is obviously not. So, how can I help you be a responsible drinker? I hope you have a designated driver to safely return you home. However, if you find yourself without one I can help. Every uniformed member of Team Vance is required to carry a "Safe Ride Home" card. It contains a telephone number to a local taxi company along with a reference number the taxi company can use for reimbursement should you not have the funds. There is absolutely no connection to your name and the card number and no one in your rating chain will know you've even used the service so it is non-retribution. See your first sergeant immediately if you don't have one. Remember, if you drink, do so responsibly. Take care of each other and thanks for all you do.