ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The flashing lights in the mirror and loud noise isn't from the club you just left. It's the cops pulling you over for driving under the influence of alcohol. You're probably going to lose your license, pay a huge fine, spend the night in jail and then explain your actions to your commander, family and friends. You're getting off easy though ... you could have killed someone.
It doesn't have to be that way. Plan ahead and have a designated driver. Follow the 0-0-1-3 policy of zero underage drinking; zero DUIs; and one drink per hour maximum not to exceed three drinks in one night. Call a taxi, call a friend, call a wingman or call the Airmen Against Drunk Driving center.
The AADD center is slated to open Thursday at 9 p.m. to combat DUIs and save lives. They are scheduled to be open 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursday through July 4.
"The purpose of the AADD Program is to give our Airmen and Team Andrews personnel an alternative to getting behind the wheel after drinking," said Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, 316th Wing and Andrews command chief master sergeant. "In 2008 we had 35 reported DUIs involving military and civilian personnel on Andrews. This year, our goal is to have just as many saves to prevent DUIs."
AADD helps to provide a positive contribution to the lives of base personnel by giving a safe ride home to Andrews servicemembers and spouses.
The free and confidential rides are for anyone assigned to Andrews who are not able to drive due to consumption of alcohol. AADD is a private organization and has no affiliation with any branch operational within the Department of Defense. Enlisted, officers, National Guard and their spouses are encouraged to call 240-857-RIDE.
AADD seeks to provide positive peer pressure, education and awareness. The ultimate goal is to greatly reduce, if not eliminate, incidents of driving under the influence, thus making Andrews and the surrounding communities a safer place to live.
The D.C. metropolitan area will be broken down into three areas to include Washington D.C.; Arlington and Alexandria, Va.; and Bowie, Waldorf and Andrews AFB, Md.
Volunteers will be contacted with the schedule in advance to avoid confusion. If all the slots are full for the weekend, volunteers will be added to the following weekend. Volunteers will be contacted in advance to see if their personal schedule is open before AADD places them on duty.
AADD normal operational hours are 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday. In the case of three-day weekends, the days of operation will extend to include the extra day.
To request a safe ride home, call 240-857-RIDE. To volunteer, call 301-981-2316.