Drive to Arrive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  When behind the wheel there should only be one objective: to safely reach the desired destination.

Picture this: You're making a quick run to the store for some much needed items. During the drive you receive a text. You have two choices: You can read the text and attempt to send a quick response or ignore it until you have reached the store. ...

So what is a safe and interesting way to help play out this scenario?

Enter UNITE International's Arrive Alive drunk and distracted driving simulator.

This organization has been traveling across the country informing people of all ages about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. On July 23 MacDill Air Force Base just so happened to be their next stop.

Tyler Herbstreith, UNITE distracted driving educator, said they (UNITE) travel to baseball and football games, schools or wherever someone wants them to go.

"We wanted to find something that covered not just drunk driving, but also distracted driving," said Master Sgt. James Kamrad, 6th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of the DUI safety campaign. "This is just one of the many events for the safety days of summer."

Prior to entering the simulator, participants each completed a survey about their driving habits. They then had the option of experiencing the simulator as a drunk driver or a texting driver.

...As you quickly switch your attention back and forth between the road and your phone you fail to notice the pedestrian who has decided he/she has enough time to dart across the street. You finally focus your full attention on the road in enough time to narrowly swerve out of the way of the pedestrian.

Using a cell phone while driving, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

Luckily, this was just a simulated experience.

Once the simulation came to an end each participant was written a "ticket" listing their infractions. Participants were then given a post-survey to end the experience.

"It (the simulator) brought to light how easy it is to get distracted," said Larry Thompson, 6th Medical Group network administrator. "Taking your eyes off the road for a split-second is all it takes."

All in all, UNITE has presented an innovative method to raising awareness about the potential consequences of drunk and distracted driving. So let's all be more responsible and "Drive to Arrive Alive."

(Editor's Note: To find out more about UNITE International, the drunk and distracted driving simulator, and the Arrive Alive tour visit www.arrivealivetour.com or call 888-436-3394.)