SFS adopts 'Over the Limit, Under Arrest' program

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott Brown
  • 325th Security Forces Squadron
The 325th Security Forces Squadron joined thousands of law enforcement and highway safety agencies from across the nation to launch an aggressive crackdown on drunken driving. 

The program, called "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest," will begin in August and continue through the Labor Day holiday. 

"Make no mistake," said Maj. Christopher Corley, 325th SFS commander. "Our Amessage is simple. No matter what you drive - a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle - if we catch you driving impaired, we will apprehend you. No exceptions. No excuses." 

Drunken driving is one of America's deadliest crimes. During 2004, nearly 13,000 people were killed in vehicle accidents involving an impaired driver or motorcycle operator with an illegal blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. 

The picture for impaired motorcycle operators is particularly bleak. Forty-one percent of the 1,672 motorcycle operators who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2004 had BAC levels of .08 or higher. This level is illegal in every state. 

"We are out in force conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols," said Major Corley. "We want everyone to play it safe. Always designate a sober driver or find a different way to get home if you have been out drinking." 

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, more than 1.4 million people were arrested for driving under the influence in 2004. 

"Drunken driving is simply not worth the risk," said Major Corley. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant." 

Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's licenses higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work and other expenses, said Major Corley.
Tyndall security forces personnel and local law enforcement agencies are committed to eliminating the threat of drunken driving, he added. 

The "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest" impaired-driving crackdown is a comprehensive drunken-driving prevention program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.