Why Drive?

  • Published
  • By 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  It may beg the question, but many people wonder why bars have parking lots in a world where driving drunk is prohibited. Here in Misawa City, that question is avoided altogether -- most bars simply don't have any available parking. Yet somehow, the number of service members who drive under the influence continues to remain steady. With no places to park, the question then becomes, why drive?

Grabbing an alcoholic beverage after work is not illegal (for those of legal age). After all the hard work service members put in each day, it is no wonder many just want to wind down with a beer or mixed drink. But before heading out, before putting the key in the ignition, think why drive? There is no place to park, and parking on the road is an easy way to an expensive ticket. Besides, hopping in a vehicle after indulging in some nightlife is a fast way to get a DUI. Goodbye license. Goodbye career.

The Japanese National Police aren't specifically looking for Americans out at late hours driving, but U.S. service members do stand out, especially at zero-dark-30. But why drive? Most service members live about three clicks from the main watering holes, which could be traversed on foot in less than an hour. But if putting some miles on one's boots is out of the question, save the last two rounds for cab fare.

Not everyone is as lucky as Misawa Air Base personnel. The base has a taxi company at their disposal and MCSADD (Misawa Community and Services Against Drunk Driving) volunteers who are willing to drive service members home on base. Additionally, the base and some local taxi companies are now offering "daiko" service, where upon request and a small fee, they'll drive a person's car home for him. With all these things at one's disposal, why drive?

This isn't new and sure isn't rocket science. It's a simple question with a simple answer. If you ask the question "why drive," then you likely already know the answer is "just don't drive."