Drinking and driving can be dangerous, costly Published Aug. 18, 2008 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- How many drinks can someone have before it's unsafe to drive? One? Two? Actually, it's zero. While some people might believe otherwise, drinking and driving should actually never mix, said Jeanine Arnold, Peterson's Culture of Responsible Choices Program coordinator. The reason: most people tend to overestimate their ability to "hold their liquor." Or people will try to calculate whether having one beer, one hour ago, at their body weight has left them able to drive, but they may be too inebriated to do the math correctly. As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, Peterson officials are reminding Airmen to drink responsibly and always have a back-up ride ready. "The only guideline to follow if you plan to go somewhere with even the possibility of drinking alcohol is to have a plan to get home safely," Ms. Arnold said. Doing otherwise can be incredibly risky. Driving under the influence or while ability is impaired endangers the lives of the driver, passengers and bystanders and can severely damage property and vehicles, said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle, 21st Security Forces Squadron. People caught driving under the influence on Peterson will have their base driving privileges revoked for at least a year, Chief Zirkle said. "Airmen facing military consequences for DUI can receive up to a bad conduct discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for 6 months, and reduction to E-1 if the circumstances justified the commander to proceed with a court martial," said Capt. Christopher Baker, 21st Space Wing Law Center, Chief of Military Justice. "If death or personal injuries are involved with the DUI greater penalties may be adjudged at court-martial, including, but not limited to up to 11 years confinement. Commanders may choose to act through non-judicial punishment for DUI, Airmen E-4 and below can be reduced in grade to E-1, and Airmen E-5 to E-9 can be reduced one grade. All Airmen may face forfeiture of one half month's pay for two months, up to 60 days restriction, and a reprimand. All enlisted members could also face up to 45 days extra duty and, or up to 30 days correctional custody. Officers face up to 30 days arrest in quarters in addition to the 60 days extra duty and forfeitures. There are also a variety of administrative measures the command may take in coordination with these judicial and non-judicial measures." Civilians must face the Colorado Springs Police Department, which can be equally harsh. Drivers charged with a DUI or a DWAI in Colorado Springs face fines ranging from $300 to $1,500 and possible jail time of up to one year, depending on the offender's blood alcohol content. Punishments also often include suspension of license, community service work and mandatory alcohol education classes. The state of Colorado estimates that the real costs of a DUI can end up averaging about $8,800, after all fines, fees, court costs and insurance increases have been factored in. Costs and consequences rise if an inebriated driver gets into an accident, totals his or her car or takes someone's life. Airmen can avoid all of the hassles and dangers associated with a DUI, though, by simply planning ahead, Ms. Arnold said. Tips for drinking responsibly include: - Use the wingman system. Bring a buddy with you when you're drinking who can act as your designated driver. - If you're having a party where guests will be drinking heavily, take everybody's keys at the door. - Call a friend, co-worker or cab if you've been drinking and need to get home. - 'Drive a Servicemember Home' provides free rides for military members on the weekends, no questions asked. Servicemembers who have had too much to drink can call 55-NO-DUI between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays to get a free ride home.