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Street Smart program helps saves lives

  • Published
  • By Natalie Eslinger
  • Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  During 2013, the Air Force Safety Center had the opportunity to offer the Street Smart program to the Air Force. This program is sponsored by the Anheuser-Busch Foundation and provided through the Anheuser-Busch Corporate Social Responsibility Department.

Presented by members of S.A.F.E., a non-profit organization created by firefighter/paramedics in Miami-Dade County, Fla., Street Smart helps audience members better understand the consequences of choosing risky behaviors such as drunk driving, illegal drug use and seat belt use.

Street Smart was presented to more than 30,000 Airmen at 29 installations. The presentation engages the audience rather than lecturing or preaching to them. Using factual information, actual medical equipment and demonstrations involving audience members, the paramedics provide a real-life look at the consequences of irresponsible actions and poor decision-making.

Airman at Fairchild AFB, Wash., attended Street Smart in June 2013. "The presentation was a perfect mix of live action, powerful visual aids and real life scenarios," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Ellender, 92nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician. "This combination was the perfect mix to convey a powerful message about choices made while driving and to have that message leave an indelible mark on the audience's driving choices."

At this time, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation is planning the 2014 program.

"Street Smart is provided to the Air Force at no charge," said Mark Erpelding, chief of the Traffic Safety and Outreach Branch, Air Force Safety Center. "It provides tremendous benefit not only to our traffic safety program, but to our ability to maintain combat readiness."

Contact your local safety office to learn more about this program.