S.A.F.E. keeps Airmen Street Smart

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Take a moment to think about all the things you still have left to do in your life. There are still friends to meet, sights to see and memories to make. Now imagine all of that being taken away by a decision to text and drive, get behind the wheel after a few drinks, or even something as simple as not wearing a seatbelt.

That's the reality for more than 30,000 Americans per year who are killed in car crashes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Street Smart program, presented by the Stay Alive From Education (S.A.F.E.) organization, is dedicated to making adults aware of the dangers of high-risk behaviors while driving and the trauma often associated with them.

The program will be hosted Aug. 23, 2013, at the base theater to promote awareness to 4th Fighter Wing Airmen and their families.

The presentations are led by local firefighters and paramedics and feature photos and descriptions of real-life trauma victims. Discussions are also held about the incidents and how they could have been different.

A previous presentation recognized the story of Jacqueline Saburido, a passenger struck by a drunk driver. The impact killed two of her friends and left her trapped in a burning car. More than 40 corrective surgeries later, she is still forced to wear the scars of that day.

"It's an opportunity for real world emergency personnel, including firefighters and EMS, to talk about incidents they've responded to because of DUIs, texting and driving," said Staff Sgt. Pierre Convers, 4th FW ground safety craftsman.

Since 1988, S.A.F.E. has reached out across the world to demonstrate and deliver their message. The program averages more than 100,000 students annually and gives hundreds of presentations during the year, about half of which are given to military personnel.

"Just think about the negative effects that your actions can have on a number of other people," Convers said. "All it takes is waiting a few minutes to use your cell phone or use a wingman to come pick you up to save lives. Don't be stupid and don't take the chance. It's not worth the risk."

For more information about the Street Smart program, contact the ground safety office at 722-4222 or visit www.safeprogram.com.