Drunk Buster karts make debut at Keesler

Published June 2, 2010
By Susan Griggs
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler has some new tools in the fight against drunk driving -- Drunk Busters.

The three pedal karts, used in 52 countries to reduce alcohol-related incidents, were funded by the 81st Training Wing after receiving a proposal from Keesler's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program.

Active-duty drunk driving incidents are on the rise at Keesler, according to Capt. Kara Wisniewski, ADAPT program manager for the 81st Medical Operations Squadron.

"ADAPT assessed 29 active-duty individuals who received driving-under-the-influence citations during fiscal 2009," Capt. Wisniewski explained. "For FY 10, ADAPT has assessed 24 active-duty members, and there are still four months to go in the fiscal year."

The captain said ADAPT staff will use these karts on a weekly basis with the technical training students during their in-processing briefing. A kart will also be available for use at the request of squadron or flight commanders.

"The Drunk Busters pedal karts allow Airmen to safely drive a simulated course 'impaired' while wearing impairment goggles so Airmen can experience the simulated effects that alcohol consumption has on one's ability to drive, without actually consuming alcohol," Captain Wisniewski said. "The goggles simulate the effects of impairment, including reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, confusion, visual distortion, alteration of depth and distance perception, reduction of peripheral vision, poor judgment and decision-making, double vision and lack of muscular coordination."

For more information about this DUI prevention initiative, call 376-5716.