What makes a good plan?

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dave Allen
  • 48th Fighter Wing Chief of Safety
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  You have all heard time and time again -"What is your plan for this weekend?" The intent of this question and this article is to set you up for success to avoid a DUI or an alcohol-related incident.

Why do a few folks still not get it? No one goes out and decides, "Tonight I want to drink and drive." So, why does it still happen? The answer is either the plan was flawed, or the plan was good, but not properly executed.

What makes a good plan?

It's simple: no keys, no car, or no alcohol. A DUI involves drinking and driving ... get rid of one and you won't get a DUI. Following this simple plan below and you will eliminate any chance of a DUI.

Do not have your car keys in your possession.

Without your car keys, you don't have to make the decision. Hand them to someone before you start drinking. Better yet, do not even bring them at all.

Do not bring a car. Have a designated driver or take a cab.

Do not drink alcohol. Without alcohol in your system, you don't have to "judge" if you are OK to drive. Just about everyone who has received a DUI thought they were "OK" to drive. This is the grey area where most offenders get into trouble. No one is saying it is wrong to have a drink at the club, with friends or with dinner. However, with the decision to drink alcohol, you must weigh the risks versus the rewards. Are those three beers on a Friday night worth the risk of getting a DUI or worse, hurting yourself or someone else? For the sober person, the obvious answer is "no." However, with alcohol in your system, judgment can become clouded and the obvious answer becomes less obvious.

Remember Airman ZOT is a program for responsible drinking, not the rule for drinking and driving. Think of it as Airman ZOT0--Zero alcohol related incidents, One drink per hour, Three drinks maximum and "0" drinks if driving.

The overwhelming majority of hardworking individuals in the 48th Fighter Wing make the right choice every time they go out. They take individual responsibility, make a solid plan and surround themselves with good Wingmen who ensure the plan is executed.

I applaud each and every one of you who have done everything right, been a good Wingman, stopped a friend from making a mistake or volunteered to work for Airman Against Drunk Driving. Each of us is responsible for safety with the goal of preserving our combat assets, the most important of which is each of you and your families. My goal is simple, provide you a failsafe plan for success remove the keys, the car or the alcohol and you will eliminate the possibility of a DUI.