EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 96th Test Wing Safety Office hosted a “Street Smart” presentation at the Enlisted Heritage Hall here Sept. 12.
The national campaign reinforces Airmen and civilian awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; not wearing seat belts and e-mailing or texting while driving.
Ronnie Garcia and Austin Brammer, Florida Stay Alive From Education instructors, presented the hour-long program. The presentation combined slides, video and audience participation to show real-life, often graphic accounts of the consequences of impaired driving.
Attendees were captivated by graphic video scenes of simulated automobile accidents, with actors who brought realism to the dangers of driving under the influence and inattentive driving.
The S.A.F.E instructors recommended responsible choices the participants could make to stay safe on the road.
“Traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of fatalities at Team Eglin, particularly among our younger troops,” said Col. Vincent Chioma, 96 TW Chief of Safety. “This event is a great way to get the safety message out, to show in a very tangible way how devastating each loss is to a family, a unit and across Team Eglin.”
Airman 1st Class Adam Williams, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, acted as a vehicle accident victim being transported to a hospital. The instructors strapped Williams to a spinal board and led the audience through short and long-term scenarios he could face as a result of injuries.
"The experience was eye-opening," Williams said. "My uncle died in a car accident. Knowing what he possibly felt as he was laid on a board like that, brought all that back and gave me chills."
Garcia hoped the Street Smart presentation enhanced safety awareness and made the audience think about being responsible while driving.
"We want to drive home the wingman concept," he said. “Airmen should be good wingmen, good designated drivers and make smart choices when operating a vehicle.”