Campaign against DWI begins at Vance

  • Published
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Labor Day weekend is one of the deadliest holidays in America due to drunk drivers on the road causing fatal accidents, which is why police nation-wide kicked off their Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign Aug. 13.

"It's tragic how many people lose their lives to drunk drivers," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Weathers, the 71st Security Forces Squadron plans and programs manager. "This is the second year in a row Vance Defenders will join the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign. No tolerance, no excuses."

Nearly 150 people were killed in car accidents involving drunk drivers during Labor Day weekend 2012. That was 38 percent of all fatal car accidents that involved drinking and driving.

"We will be on the lookout for drunk driving, especially at the gate this weekend," said Weathers. "But, my worry is for Team Vance members who are traveling to densely populated areas like Oklahoma City, especially those driving at night. Chances for a drunk-driving crash increases by 46 percent at night."

Here are some tips if you plan to celebrate this Labor Day weekend:

If you are drinking, do not drive.
If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver or plan for alternative transportation.
If you are traveling out of town, find a taxi service before arriving at your destination.
Let someone know where you're going, like a supervisor.
The best defense against a drunk driver is wearing a seat belt.