MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- After a heavy night of drinking, a young Marine stumbles into his car, turns on the ignition and speeds away into the darkness.

Only minutes away from home, the 22-year-old lance corporal crashes into another vehicle, killing a 70-year-old man. The Marine has a blood alcohol content of .21 percent.

In Fiscal Year 2004, 46 Marines were involved in deadly personal motor vehicle accidents. Of those mishaps 18 were alcohol-related, according to information at www.safetycenter.navy.mil.
Recognizing this fact, Headquarters Marine Corps established the Arrive Alive Program in 2000 to decrease the number of alcohol-related injuries, traffic incidents and deaths among servicemembers driving under the influence.

"These numbers have drastically decreased since the implementation of the program," said Gregory E. Guillermo, director, Substance Abuse Control Center, Marine Corps Community Services, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. "If a Marine goes out and drinks too much, he can use the issued Arrive Alive card as a backup transportation method. It basically serves as an 'IOU' for a taxi service."

The Arrive Alive card is issued to every servicemember when they check into their command, and according to Guillermo, every Marine is required to have the card with them at all times.

"Carrying the Arrive Alive card is like carrying your military I.D," said Sgt. Karla Adams, motorcycle training instructor, Safety Office, MCAS Miramar. "I always carry my card when I go out, because you never know what can happen. It's a great backup to have."

Each card has a different serial number, which is used for tracking purposes when a Marine is billed for their cab fare home.

Once a Marine calls the number on the card, a taxi will come and the Marine will surrender their card to the driver. In turn, the driver will send an invoice to the Marine's unit and he or she will have up to one month to pay the fee.

"This program isn't advocating drinking," said Guillermo, a N.Y. native. "Its primary emphasis is on safety. When you're intoxicated, your judgment is impaired and your reactions are delayed. When you drive under the influence, you take a chance. This program provides servicemembers a way to get home safely, without any risks."

According to Staff Sgt. Clinton I. Smith, a volunteer designated driver since 1998 and personnel chief, Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Miramar, although the Arrive Alive Program saves lives, he recommends using it as a last resort and having a plan before going out.

"Too many Marines have the mindset that someone will always take care of them," said Smith, a San Diego native. "If one of my Marines calls me in the middle of the night I will come and pick them up, because I would rather do that than identify them in a body bag the next morning. However, they need to be responsible for themselves when they go out."

Smith has lost a couple of his friends due to drunk driving and hopes that Marines understand the realities and consequences of getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking.

"I've seen what could happen," said Smith. "TV covers up a lot. The bodies are bloody and unrecognizable, and the stench is unforgettable. If you're going to drink, just do it responsibly so you don't end up like that. Don't make the wrong choice."

In addition to carrying the Arrive Alive card, Guillermo recommends sticking to plans, having a designated driver and using the buddy system when going out.

"One of the biggest concerns among servicemembers is leaving their vehicle in the parking lot overnight," said Guillermo. "If you have a plan and designated driver - not the guy who is the most sober - you don't have to worry about leaving your vehicle behind. Planning is crucial to preventing accidents."

Currently, Guillermo and other Substance Abuse Control Officers are partnering up with the outside community by introducing programs like Arrive Alive and the Designated Drivers
Association to educate various agencies about how they can help keep servicemembers safe.

"The more businesses and organizations that are informed about these tools, the better," said Guillermo. "Constant education is the tool for prevention. If a Marine is too intoxicated to read the number on the Arrive Alive card, a bartender can call the number for them. It's all about prevention."