Too drunk to drive, call 572-RIDE Published April 12, 2012 By Senior Airman DeAndre Curtiss 49th Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- "You drink, you drive, you lose" -- that's the New Mexico Department of Transportation's slogan, and it is also preached to all Holloman AFB personnel. The state of New Mexico has imposed severe penalties for those who are caught driving while intoxicated, and the Air Force has done the same. According to the NMDOT website, penalties for a first Driving While Intoxicated offense can include up to one year license revocation, 90 days in jail, DWI school, mandatory community service, and an ignition interlock system installed for one year. The military-imposed penalties can also have steep, career-altering consequences. "For Holloman's first-time offenders, penalties can range from receiving a letter of reprimand and an unfavorable information file to an administrative discharge," said Capt. Steven Spencer, 49th Wing judge advocate representative. "Typically, first-time offenders receive an administrative demotion, so they lose a stripe." To discourage Holloman community members from driving drunk, the 572-RIDE program was set-up for Team Holloman members as a back-up plan, instead of getting behind the wheel after having an alcoholic beverage. "Riders know that when they dial 572-RIDE they are guaranteed to be picked up by friendly 572-RIDE volunteers and will be transported safely by Team Holloman professionals," said Master Sgt. Felicia Hamilton, 572-RIDE alternate point of contact. "In addition, the possibility of making a bad decision is basically eliminated since the program provides a stress-free option for members of Team Holloman to use." There are many components that go into making the program work. Volunteers must have their own means of transportation and must also be sober themselves for the week they are on call. The Holloman AFB operators receive the phone calls from the intoxicated people and patch them through to the on call volunteer. "As a volunteer, I think this program is highly important so we can help our fellow Airmen on ways to get home safely instead of resorting to driving after drinking," said Senior Airman Brittany Stephens, 49th Force Support Squadron lodging technician who volunteers as a driver for 572-RIDE. It is the combined efforts of the volunteers and operators, working cohesively, that sustain the program's success. For more information on 572-RIDE and how to volunteer to be a driver, contact Master Sgt. Felecia Hamilton at 572-5132.