Save-a-Life Tour takes new approach in alcohol prevention

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon saw the Save-a-Life Tour presentation in September for Airmen in Training, he wanted to bring the tour back for Sheppard's permanent party Dec. 3. 

The Save-a-Life Tour took a new approach to alcohol prevention efforts. The presenter not only grabbed Sheppard's attention with emotional and graphic videos, personal stories and national statistics, but also provided a drinking and driving simulator. 

The simulator functions as a vehicle, consisting of controls such as an ignition, speedometer and a shifter. The multiple screens allowed drivers to see out of their "windows and mirrors." The computer also increases blood alcohol content and decreases the responsiveness of the controls to simulate reaction time and tunnel vision. 

Brian Beldyga, a tour presenter, showed the audience how to handle the simulator's vision and reaction time effects. He said if people can't react properly while sober, how can they drive after drinking? 

"People do things because they want to know how far they can go. They think it won't happen to them because they already got away with it," he said. "Well, here's your chance to prove it. We are showing them from a sober perspective that they are not invincible." 

Although hearing the information may be effective to some, this presentation captured the attention of visual and hands-on learners like Senior Airman Riley Halliday, a personnelist for the 82nd Mission Support Squadron. 

"Seeing people run over stop signs and running into walls shows me what it's like to drive drunk. And if that's what it's like driving drunk then I don't want to do it," he said. 

The interactive nature of the presentation allowed the Airmen to think about the possible outcomes of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

"Usually they just throw out (statistics), but the casket on display makes it more personal," said Airman Halliday. "It shows that people really die from drinking and driving." 

Mr. Beldyga said the most common way for a person to learn not to drink and drive is by someone dying, but "we need to stop learning that way."