Safety first this Fourth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Independence Day is celebrated by Americans across the country; however, a lot of times people get carried away and drink alcohol then get behind the wheel of a vehicle putting others lives at risk.

It is important to have plans if drinking to make it home safe, for those not drinking alcoholic beverages, be alert of dangerous drivers that may be intoxicated. A designated driver is ideal, but if that happens to fail call the Airmen Against Drunk Driving (AADD).

"The AADD's goal is to eliminate future alcohol-related driving incidents by providing military members a method of transportation without using the chain of command and without fear of repercussion," said Staff Sgt. Christina Begeal, AADD president.

Every 33 minutes someone dies and one person is injured every two minutes in alcohol-related wrecks, according to the www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.

"During the Independence Day weekend a lot of people like to celebrate with an alcoholic beverages," said Stephen Hagler, 22nd Safety Office occupational safety technician. "Due to the fact that alcohol tends to lower your judgment and decision making it may result in unfortunate consequences."

In 2012, Colby Liston, the son of Matt Liston, a Derby, Kansas police officer and the sixth speaker of #theSUMof15, was struck by a drunk driver. Colby was a defensive back for the Derby High School and was going to run track for Kansas University, until the accident when he lost both of his legs above the knee.

"Don't be the person who changes or ruins a kids life, or breaks the heart of a parent," said Liston. "Colby has adapted and adjusted. He is fine now, but he is never going to be the same."

To contact and utilize AADD from the hours of 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. call 316-759-2233. They also sponsored Triple B's onto base, they are a company that for $25 will pick up to four and take them home taking driving out of the equation. Triple B's can be reached at 316-304-2771.