Save-a-life Tour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Holt
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AFB, Fla. --  Team MacDill members experienced firsthand what it was like to drive under the influence this week when the Save-A-Life tour stopped by the Short Fitness Center here.

The tour used a drunk-driving simulator that allowed servicemembers to experience how alcohol impairs driving skills.

During the simulation, team members faced drivers with minds of their own. The simulator is programmed with real-world drunk-driving incidents, and has the capability to change wind and weather conditions. At any time during the simulation, the driver could be in the rain, snow or darkness.

"These simulators show you what it is like to drive drunk from a sober perspective," said Jeremiah Newson, Save-A-Life Tour manager.

The simulator starts at level zero and progressively goes up to level 11. Level eleven represents a blood-alcohol content of 0.34, said Mr. Newson.

Spectators were able to watch what drivers saw on a large screen and were also provided with a helicopter view of the driver's vehicle in traffic.

"It was difficult trying to drive vehicle," said Senior Airman Melissa Boardman, 6th Communication Squadron. "The driving got significantly harder as the levels got higher."

Everything bounces when the vehicle goes over a curb or bump making it harder to concentrate, said Airman Boardman.

"In the beginning, the reaction time is spot on," said Airman 1st Class Jason Hill, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "The higher the blood-alcohol content gets the slower the reaction time gets. This makes it hard to judge when to turn and when to stop."