FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The Army Substance Abuse Program at the Soldier and Family Readiness Center (SFRC) here, reminds the community to be aware and help prevent the “3Ds” of Drunk, Drugged and Distracted Driving during December’s National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.
“We want to make sure when everyone celebrates that they consider a way to come home safely,” said Nick Gilmore, Prevention and Employee Assistance Program coordinator.
Impaired driving can occur frequently through the holidays. Driving drunk, drugged or distracted poses a significant threat to the driver, passengers, pedestrians, wildlife and everyone who shares the road.
“This time of year driving under the influence (DUI) charges increase,” said Gilmore. “The 3Ds campaign through December is an effort to increase awareness and help mitigate so people make better decisions and choices.”
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month raises awareness to the 3Ds.
“Since 1981, every president of the United States has proclaimed December National Drunk, Drugged and Distracted Driving (3D) Prevention Month,” said Joe Bubala, Risk Reduction Program coordinator at SFRC. “This observance underscores the public's commitment to preventing impaired driving and promoting the use of designated drivers and sober ride programs.”
The program has a particular focus informing the public that any impaired driving is considered drunk driving in a legal sense regardless of the substance, he said.
“Alcohol, illicit drugs, some prescription medication, and some over the counter medication may impair one’s ability to drive,” added Bubala.
Consequences, such as DUI arrests or accidents causing injury or fatality, can trigger major, unpleasant life changes, said Joanne Prince, Installation Suicide Prevention Program manager.
“The top three reasons why people consider suicide are issues with relationships, legal problems and financial concerns,” Prince said.
The Suicide Prevention Program is inextricably linked to all ASAP awareness observances due to the all the ramifications, she added.
“There are some who find themselves in an arrest situation, and think their career may be over,” said Prince. “We want to make sure it’s known that if someone is in this type of crisis, where there are resources to help – so they don’t start that cycle.”
The Religious Support Office contributes to the 3Ds campaign by encouraging positive results that come from a sense of self-awareness and accountability, said Maj. Paul Lynn, installation deputy chaplain.
“These are markers to assess ourselves and improve well-being,” said Lynn. “One is more likely to be less impulsive and make better moral and ethical life decisions.”
There are multiple ways to avoid these incidents and stay safe.
These tips from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help:
Attending a party or celebrating elsewhere?
1. Before the party begins, designate a sober driver, or plan another way to get home safely.
2. If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab; call friend or family member to get you; or just stay in for the night.
3. Call a ride service or cab company.
4. Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink.
5. Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against drunk drivers.
Hosting a party?
1. Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
2. Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange alternate transportation.
3. Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages.
4. Stop serving alcohol at a certain point and begin serving coffee and dessert.
5. Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.
6. Call a ride service or cab company.
With all of the holiday cheer and merriment, ASAP reminds the community there are always ways to celebrate safely and avoid the consequences.
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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 964 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.
Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.
We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/
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