The detriment of distracted driving Published May 22, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A split second. In a split second, distracted driving can irrevocably change lives for the worse. Airmen are reminded of the responsibility they have to combat distracted driving wherever they can on-base and off. According to official Department of Transportation statistics, in 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving throughout the U.S. "Airmen are the most valuable asset the Air Force has," said Tech Sgt. Brandon Trollmann, 82nd Training Wing NCO in charge of safety investigations." Tech Sgt. Rosa Soria, 82nd TRW safety superintendent, protects those assets through education and awareness of consequences. "We lose more Airmen to vehicle accidents than we do to combat...that's bad, it should never happen," she said. "It shouldn't be that way and it's something we can prevent." Knowledge on how to minimize distracted driving is given to all members of the population with an emphasis on situational awareness and driver responsibility. "It's our job to make sure people stay alive," Soria said. One of the primary educational tools used to spread awareness about the topic of responsible driving habits is the 'Street Smart' program. Founded by Lieutenant Vince Easevoli, a firefighter and paramedic, the program focuses on the consequences of distracted driving through the gruesome scope of a first responder via graphic slideshows and medical demonstrations. When a vehicular accident occurs due to distracted driving it can have a negative effect the across the Air Force community. "The consequences have ripple effects," Soria said. "It's not just one person." To learn more about how to minimize distracted driving go to http://www.distraction.gov/