Save a Life Tour comes to Dobbins ARB Published Nov. 7, 2010 By MSgt. Stan Coleman 94 AW/PA DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The realities of driving under the influence are not the realities of everyone's experience. But it is a reality for the Air Force Safety Center to present the Save a Life Tour to 19 bases in an effort to influence the Air Force's most precious resource, its Airmen, not to drink and drive. "The statistics for Air Force off-duty mishaps involving driving under the influence of alcohol have gone up within the last two years," said Lt. Col. Walt Koelln, 94th Airlift Wing Safety officer. The Save a Life Tour, a high impact drug awareness program, was contracted by the Air Force to address this concern. The purpose of the tour is to emphasize the devastating effects through real-life video and virtual reality. "It's important to provide a sober perspective of drinking and driving," said Mr. Oscar J. Perry, the Save a Life tour manager. The videos and photos provide a real-life "sentiment and shock value that is all wrapped up into one program. "I've seen the video a number of times," said Mr. Perry. "It always bothers me when people say I had one drink. One drink impacts you at a 10% lost of peripheral vision while driving. no matter who you are." After the video presentation, Airmen were invited to tryout a driving simulator that reflects the effect of alcohol content in a person's body. Airmen were also encouraged to complete a questionnaire regarding the Save a Life Tour presentation. An 80th Aerial Port Airman shares his impression of the program. "What impacts me most about today's presentation is the program's true-life and realistic videos," said Senior Airman Allen Williams, 80th APS aerial porter. "Also, the simulator is a good tool to reflect what your reaction times are like when you're driving under the influence. "The program reinforces the Wingman concept of looking out for your friends and not letting them get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages."
