Lackland, Texas join forces with Santa for safety

  • Published
  • By April Blumer
  • 37th Training Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  A skydiving Santa dropped into Lackland Air Force Base Dec. 4 to help launch the state's annual drunk driving prevention campaign. 

Texas Department of Transportation officials chose Lackland AFB as a backdrop to announce the beginning of its annual four-week drunk driving prevention campaign. 

The Air Force's commitment to safety and taking care of its Airmen made the base a perfect backdrop for the start of the Texas DOT's awareness rally, said Brig. Gen. Darrell D. Jones, the 37th Training Wing commander. 

After landing on Lackland AFB, Santa and General Jones drove around to remind people not to drink and drive.

"In the Air Force, we have a concept we practice every day -- the wingman concept," the general said. "We look out for one another."

The wingman philosophy challenges all military and civilian Airmen to take care of one another and ensure they are always doing the right thing, including when they are celebrating.

This practice can migrate into the civilian sector by individuals role modeling responsible behavior such as drinking responsibly, not driving after drinking and not providing alcohol to minors.

Texas leads the nation with the highest number of drunk driving-related fatalities, with 1,677 people dying in alcohol-related accidents in 2006. A seven-person panel representing various state organizations and businesses presented ideas on how to lose that uncomplimentary ranking.

"A (running) meter is cheaper than incarceration or a funeral," said George Alva, a driver and safety advocate for Yellow Checker Cab. Driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher is grounds for incarceration and license suspension in Texas.

Designating a driver is another popular alternative to driving while legally intoxicated.

"The designated driver is not the person who has consumed the least amount of alcohol," said Lizette Villarreal, the Circles of San Antonio Community Coalition chair. The designated driver is the one who hasn't had a single alcoholic drink.

Many businesses that serve alcohol provide free non-alcoholic beverages to individuals identified as designated drivers. Customers may need to ask their server about the program.

Simply making it home without incident in the past does not guarantee a safe trip home the next time, said Jennifer Northway from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "Practice does not make perfect. There is no such thing as a safe (drunk) driver."

More law enforcement officials will be on the roads during the holidays ensuring motorists adhere to state DWI laws. This increases the possibility of going to jail instead of going home.

"Our intention is to ... encourage drivers to be sober," said Travis Hall, a senior trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. "Don't spend the holidays incarcerated with strangers."

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