As we continue to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, the importance of driving sober is something to be kept at the forefront.
Driving while under the influence can cost Airmen’s lives and careers. In 2018 alone, Oklahoma saw 375 vehicle-related deaths caused by impaired driving. The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign also begins today and runs through January 1 and Oklahoma officers and highway patrol will be on high alert for impaired driving.
Drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher are considered alcohol-impaired in the state of Oklahoma, but it’s always safest to refrain from getting behind the wheel if any alcohol has been consumed. There are multiple options out there for Airmen to receive a ride home including ride-share companies, but a service offered free-of-charge to base residents is Airmen Against Drunk Driving, also referred to as A2D2, which you may have seen signs for around base. The ride program operates with the help of volunteer Airmen from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday and can be reached at 820-4444. Planning in advance and calling for a ride when you’ve had anything to drink are the best ways to prevent accidents, having to install an interlock device in your vehicle and enroll in the Impaired Driver Accountability Program and even worse, death.
For more information about Oklahoma’s DUI laws and statistics visit ohso.ok.gov/drivesober.