Safe Ride saves lives

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/08/2010 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. - --  What is an Airman to do when their plan falls through, the designated driver is nowhere to be found and they are too drunk to drive back home?

All the Airman has to do is call 385-RIDE (7433) at any time, any day of the week and the Safe Ride program will provide a driver within 45 minutes to give him or her a safe ride home, no questions asked.

The program is made possible by Airmen of all ranks and the occasional civilian who volunteer to be drivers by contacting the representative from the squadron in charge of Safe Ride for that week.

2nd Lt. Jake Sabin, 28th Comptroller and Contracting Squadron government purchase card manager volunteered to be the Safe Ride representative for his squadron so he could do his part in keeping Airmen and their families safe.

"Safe Ride, also known as Airmen Against Drunk Driving on some bases, is a program based on a wingmen serving wingmen concept," said Lieutenant Sabin.

This concept extends to family members and friends of Airmen as well, within certain guidelines.

"Airmen, as well as civilians and dependents, will receive a free ride home with proof of military identification, but they will not be given rides to other bars and they may be refused a ride home if they threaten the driver's safety" said 2nd Lt. Wes Sheppard, 28th Maintenance Squadron maintenance group executive officer and also one of the Safe Ride program leaders.

In 2009, 204 calls were made to Safe Ride and 268 passengers were safely accompanied home. Since January 2010, 209 calls have been made with 339 passengers securely transported to their private residences.

"One hundred percent of our numbers from the previous year have been reached within the first six months of this year," said Lieutenant Sheppard.

Lieutenant Sheppard said he and those who share the responsibility of the program are pleased with the results - and he offered some advice for anyone considering going to the bar.

"We want people to use the program and not be afraid to call so that we can keep everyone on base and their families safe," said Lieutenant Sheppard. "The best way to avoid driving while under the influence when going to a bar is to leave the car at home."