Don't drink and drive

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Beth Roberts
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Legal Office
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- --  An Airman assigned to McConnell was arrested for driving under the influence shortly after 1 a.m. April 11.

A Kansas Highway Patrol officer was patrolling U.S. 54 early that morning, when he was overtaken by a vehicle travelling at 100 mph in a 60 mph zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop for the speeding violation and, upon contacting the driver, immediately detected the odor of alcohol.

Because he detected the smell of alcohol, the officer asked the Airman if he had consumed alcoholic beverages that evening.

The Airman confirmed he had been drinking and explained that, between 10:50 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., he had consumed three 12 ounce beers and two shots of whiskey at a local bar.

The Airman proceeded to fail three separate sets of field sobriety tests. A breath test was then administered, which indicated a blood alcohol content of .117; the presumptive limit is .08.

The Airman was placed under arrest and transported to Sedgwick County Jail. The Airman's vehicle was towed, at his expense, and he was booked for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 22nd Mission Support Group commander immediately suspended the Airman's driving privileges on base for one year.

In addition to losing his driving privileges on base, both in a personal owned vehicle and government owned vehicle, his civilian driver's license will also be suspended for one year per state law.

Additionally, the Air Force was granted jurisdiction to prosecute the Airman. He received an Article 15 for DUI and was immediately reduced to the grade of airman with a suspended reduction to the grade of airman basic for six months.

The Airman's commander also imposed forfeitures of $100 per month for two consecutive months.

As demonstrated in the above example, there are numerous implications that go along with drunk driving. There are a number of options available to Airmen who drink and drive - calling Airmen Against Drunk Driving, taking a cab, having a friend or a coworker pick you up-to name a few.

Be smart; be safe, and have a plan.