"ALIVE at 25" to enhance driving among young Airmen Published June 19, 2008 By Rich Burns 440th Airlift Wing Ground Safety Manager POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- What is a great way to reduce auto accidents among drivers in the 16-to-24 age group? How can I possibly avoid points on my driver's record if I get a ticket, get a ticket dismissed or obtain reduced insurance rates? Here is the answer: A new program is underway at Pope and available to military personnel and family members ages 16 to 24. The program is a Defensive Driver Course called "ALIVE AT 25". The course is designed to be an early intervention program to help prevent traffic violations, collisions, and/or fatalities. The focus is to help young drivers adopt safer driving practices, take responsibility for their behavior in various driving situations, and to be aware of many of the typical driving hazards. "ALIVE AT 25" is a highly interactive four-hour program that encourages young drivers to take responsibility for their driving behavior. Skill practices and on-the-spot defensive driving techniques help change daring attitudes when behind the wheel. Drivers under the age of 25 are four times more likely to be involved in a serious motor vehicle accident than older drivers. Research shows this is a result of one or a combination of factors such as, lack of awareness of the consequences of risk-taking behavior, inexperience with the complexities of driving, impaired driving and cell phone use while driving. Currently, the North Carolina Department of Insurance does not require insurance companies to offer reduced rates for completing defensive driving courses. However, several other states do and a few insurance companies offer reduced rates for individuals who attend and acquire a certificate of completion. Better yet, "ALIVE AT 25" is offered to our military personnel and family members free...yes I said free of charge. So your next question is "When is this great opportunity going to be available to Team Pope?" On 23-24 June, the National Safety Center will be training 12 instructor candidates here at Pope. There will also be an opportunity to send 60-120 young Airmen to the 4-hour course on 24 June. Future classes for the summer will be advertised in the Carolina Flyer and through commanders and first Sergeants. If you have any questions, please give Wing Safety a call at 394-8395/8389. This is a "win-win program" for all and is another way we can protect our most valuable resource..our military personnel and their families.