This holiday season – if you catch a buzz, catch a ride

Since 1981, every U.S. president has proclaimed December as National
Drunk and Drugged Driving – 3D –  Prevention Month to help
underscore the public’s commitment to preventing impaired driving and
promoting the use of designated drivers and sober ride programs.

Every holiday season is a time for family, friends and festive
celebrations, but also it is a time when there is a tragic jump in the
number of alcohol-related highway fatalities.

Impaired driving is one of America’s and the military’s deadliest
problems. Feeling invincible, some people make poor decisions that cost
them their lives, careers or driving privileges by drinking and then
getting in their vehicles and driving.

Simple suggestions for servicemembers and civilians include:
Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle when out drinking.
Call a taxi, Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving, a sober friend or family member for a ride.

Stay and sleep it off until sober.

If hosting a party this holiday season, offer alcohol-free beverages.

Make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

Take the keys and never let a friend out of sight if they are about to
drive while impaired from alcohol or other illegal substances.

Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not
worth the risk. The trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest
for driving while impaired can be significant and not the way to spend
the holiday season.

The 64th Medical Company is having each of their squads produce a Power
Point presentation to promote 3D month at their December commander’s
call.

The Army Substance Abuse Program, Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling
Services, the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Addiction Treatment
Facility, Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving and a representative from
Alcoholics Anonymous will be promoting 3D month by setting up a display
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in front of the LRMC dining facility.
Non-alcoholic punch will be served and brochures packed with popular
non-alcoholic holiday drinks and holiday safety tips will be
disseminated.

Also, outdoor banners will be posted outside the various Army post main
gates to remind military and civilians to stop impaired driving.
Remember, this holiday season if you catch a buzz, catch a ride.