Spc. Ivy Findley with Fort Jackson MEDDAC, tries her hand at riding a cart while wearing goggles to simulate riding under the influence during a Safety Fair held Oct. 4 at Hilton Field. (Photo by Robert Timmons)

Fair makes the community a ‘little safer’

By Robert Timmons, Fort Jackson Public Affairs

Post safety officials came together at Hilton Field Oct. 4 for a Safety Fair that one safety officer called, “an effort to make the community a little safer.”

Walter “Dale” Austin, a safety specialist with the Fort Jackson Safety Office said, the fair made the post safer by bringing awareness to various aspects on safety from cycling, motorcycling, driving and even industrial safety.

Units and Partners in Excellence had safety officials at the fair including the Soldier Support Center, Moncrief Army Health Clinic and the 82nd Readiness Division. Members of range control, the Directorate of Public Works’ Environmental Division, and the 3R Unexploded Ordnance Awareness team were also at the event.

Attendees at the event were also able to wear goggles that simulated what it’s like to operate a vehicle while impaired. Riders would put on “drunk” goggles that blurred their vision. Once the operators put on the goggles, they would see double and not be able to focus on navigating a short course that some would find disconcerting.

“We want them to see the effect of having a few drinks actually feels like from a vision standpoint,” said Vinson Washington, an Army Training Center safety specialist.

“It is very important to continue to get the community to focus on a safety culture to enhance the environment of Fort Jackson and to make it a better and safer work location,” Washington said.

Austin echoed Washington’s sentiments noting, “safety is important. We want to make sure people go home safely each night.”