CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Briefing after briefing, time and time again, constantly the same thing is heard, don't drink and drive.
Yet, somehow it happens. Because people get behind the wheel of the vehicle with the belief it won't happen to them. Charleston has had 11 driving under the influence's this year alone.
What can Team Charleston do to prevent this from happening? Airmen Against Drunk Driving is one way.
AADD is a program found on most installations and began on Charleston AFB in 2004. AADD's mission is to provide a safe, confidential ride home for all Department of Defense employees who are intoxicated and may otherwise get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Since its inception, AADD members have saved lives on Friday and Saturday nights from the hours of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. This however, has recently changed.
A recent spike in DUIs has prompted AADD to operate seven days a week. Some of the DUIs occurred during weeknights when AADD was not up and running. In response, the AADD committee members ensured they are doing their part in the prevention process by offering operation seven days a week.
Members will also be at wing functions, such as promotion release parties, the base picnic and Oktoberfest. By extending hours of operation and providing support for these functions, AADD has eliminated any excuse for an Airman to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive after drinking.
AADD solicits its volunteers from the base populace and relies on volunteers to make the program a success. By volunteering, Airmen have the ability to make a difference. AADD is in need of more support for weekend coverage. AADD averages three drivers per night on the weekends, which can be overwhelming for three drivers to handle. Additional volunteers will provide the capability to dispatch enough drivers for all the calls received, increasing the chance of saving a life. AADD has helped save 372 lives this year alone.
To assist with recruiting volunteers, committee members are reviewing a new incentive program which will offer different levels of appreciation after varying numbers of weekends or pickups. Incentives being explored with leadership range from a Letter of Appreciation to a day pass for time off.
When individuals go out, a plan should be in place if drinking is going to a part of the evening. If for some reason, the plan should fall through, AADD is another resource available to get them home safe and sound.
AADD is available from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and is there to pick up anyone holding a DOD employee identification card. The program is completely confidential and provides Airmen a trustworthy alternative. To utilize the program, simply call the AADD dispatcher at 963-2233.