Mock DUI propels message to stay sober while driving

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Security Forces Squadron, Wing Safety and Mental Health flights staged a mock arrest of a suspected drunk driver outside of the main gate July 2 before the holiday weekend to exacerbate the importance of staying sober while driving.

"So far this calendar year we have seen a 100 percent increase in DUIs compared to the same time period last year," said Master Sgt. Brian Fairchild, 354th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight chief. "It was coordinated to be a visible reminder to people leaving the base prior to the long weekend."

Sergeant Fairchild was the volunteer "drunk driver," and said that even though it was staged, he still felt a little embarrassed.

"I learned I don't like the way handcuffs feel," he said. "And the humiliation of that happening in public was no fun either."

He said that the focus was meant to hit home for Airmen--that when they saw a uniformed person taken through a field sobriety test and arrested and handcuffed that they hopefully will plan their weekends more wisely.

"Fun does not have to equate to being drunk," said Sergeant Fairchild. "When this type of mindset drives the drinking behavior people feel it is acceptable to simply not control themselves."

In fiscal year 2007 in the Air Force, there were 11 confirmed motor vehicle deaths related to alcohol reasons, said Master Sgt. Tracy Francis, 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office. The year prior there were 13.

"The message we want Airmen to remember and practice is that if you plan to drink, have a solid plan to make sure it is low-risk drinking; drinking that is less likely to result in alcohol-related misconduct," said Sergeant Fairchild.