Base launches 434-RIDE program

  • Published
  • By Sonic Johnson
  • Chief, 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Airmen interested in breaking the cycle of drunk driving officially launched the next tier of our fight against DUIs Friday after the 14 FTW Commander's Calls at Kaye Auditorium. Wing Safety representatives passed out 434-RIDE key chain tags to attending members. The Wing Commander's intent is clear: "I would like our Team BLAZE members to have these tags on their key chains. If you drive a car, get a tag."

The 434-RIDE program was conceived to be a final safety net to keep our Airmen from getting behind the wheel when maybe they shouldn't. This is a program for Airmen, by Airmen. The top side of the tag is where members will write their wingman's name and telephone number. The back side has the 434-RIDE number on it. The concept is equally simple: When you are out for an evening of festivities and find yourself in a condition in which you should not drive, these are the steps you take, in order, to get home safely:

1. Have a designated driver before you depart and stick with them.

If that fails,

2. Call your roommate, friend, or neighbor. Anyone you trust. Exhaust your cell phone address list. If that fails,

3. Call your Wingman, whose name and number are written in permanent ink on your keychain. If that fails,

4. Call 434-RIDE. The call goes directly to the command post who will then put you in touch with the 434-RIDE volunteer on duty for the night. The call yields no blotter entry, no calls to the First Sergeant or Commander, no ADAPT referral or permanent record. Just a no-questions asked program to get you home safely. Now, that said, please understand that if you skip steps 1-3 on a routine basis and use the system as your regular personal taxi service, the system and its resources could easily be exhausted. Use it for its intended purpose: a last resort to drunk driving. If you are fortunate enough to receive a ride, be courteous to the drivers. Although not expected, offering to pitch in for gas money is a nice gesture that helps reduce the impact on volunteers.

Tags are available from Wing Safety in Bldg 926 if you did not get one Friday. The key chain tag should be a reminder as you pull your keys out, is your career...is your life, worth taking the chance?

To become a 434-RIDE Volunteer, call or e-mail Captain Pedro "Levi" Esquivel at 434-1655 or pedro.esquivel@columbus.af.mil.