FORT STEWART, Ga. - DUI. We have all heard it and I am sure we all know what it stands for - Driving Under the Influence. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009 approximately 11,000 people were killed in alcohol related crashes, and over 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. That's a lot of people; don't you think?

Legally, as an adult over the age of 21, you are allowed to drink, but be aware that the rate of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes is more than three times higher at night than during the day. If you have been drinking it is better you have someone sober to drive you to your destination. Many people abuse the ability to drink and purposely get drunk resulting in becoming out of control and/or out of touch with reality.

According to Kids Health, "alcohol is a depressant", which means it's a drug that slows down or depresses the brain. Like many drugs, alcohol changes a person's ability to think, speak, and see things as they really are.

If you drink too much, you may hurt yourself or other people, especially if you are the driver.

Drinking too much could cause you to throw up, have a headache, and wake up the next day feeling awful - this is what we refer to as a hangover. Over time, those who abuse alcohol can do serious damage to their bodies.

As a human being, it is normal to be curious about new things and it can be very tempting to want to try alcohol, even more when you know everyone around you is doing it. You will find that people will use peer pressure to get you to do what they do, especially if those people are your friends.

Others might call you names like immature - doing whatever they can to break you down piece by piece. Do not believe one bit of it, because saying no makes you the more mature person.

Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield has developed a program, Marne Pride, by which Soldiers must pledge to not drink and drive. Each Soldier receives a blue and white pledge ribbon to show their commitment. Fort Stewart also provides us with a visual of the DUI fatalities, by showing a count of days and a crashed car at the main gate.

This along with the safety signs along installation highways and at our high-traffic gates clearly shows that our post is more than aware of the problems of drinking and driving and it is determined to put a stop to violators.

The point is: DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE period.

Be strong, be smart, and be brave at heart!

Help clear the world of DUI's.