Do you suffer from situational driving integrity?

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Brian "Mayday" Mahoney
  • 319th Air Base Wing chief of safety
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  We've all seen it before; a person telling us how something should be done, then shortly after you see them doing exactly what they told you not to do.

Webster could define this as hypocrisy; however, I like to call it "situational integrity." In short it is saying or doing what is right, because someone is looking, and then when it appears no one is looking, doing whatever you want to do.

It can also be defined as doing what is right because of the chance for reprisal, and then when that perceived danger is removed, doing whatever is desired. This problem occurs with many teammates right here on Grand Forks Air Force Base every day.

Yes, it is very likely I am talking about you, too.

How many of you have seen - or even done - this? You are driving off base and notice a car following the speed limits, being considerate of other drivers, and following all the road rules. Then as soon as you pass the gate area...zoom, off they go accelerating like they are aiming for takeoff. And when you get to the highway ramp entrance, the car behind you cannot pass fast enough so "swish" around you they go before you have even entered the highway.

This is what I call "situational driving integrity." As long as there is the danger of looking bad, or getting a ticket, in front of teammates, the rules are strictly followed. But as soon as it appears the base security forces are out of view, speeding, cutting people off on the highway, failure to adhere to traffic signs, flipping other drivers the bird, or even drinking intoxicated occurs.

Although I am not an expert, I live off base and I see it every day while commuting on US Highway 2. I see base Airmen, civilians, and officers fly past me going at least 10-15 miles per hour over the limit. But why do such committed, outstanding citizens do that? Is it the thrill? Is it, as one young airman told me once, simply "Because it is not the Air Force's business how he drove off base." Or is it simply to save time?

Well, if it is for time, did you realize you only save 2 minutes and 6 seconds driving 80 mph versus 70 mph to get downtown. Hopefully you are not the person who reads this and thinks "Yeah, but if I go 90 mph I save more than 4 minutes, and if go..."

So what can we do about it?

First, honestly assess yourself. Are you that person? If so, ask yourself "Why do I do that?" Be honest and seriously evaluate your reasons. If it is to save time, ask yourself, "Is it really so important that I risk mine and other's lives just to save 2 minutes?"

Most importantly, ask yourself what you're going to do in the future. Now, I am not living in make-believe land. I know many of you will simply cast this information aside, but do you really want to be that person? Or do you want to ensure you, your passengers, and members of other families arrive alive?

I truly encourage everyone to challenge themselves to do the right thing.

Another critical, and often overlooked, factor in our driving decisions is weather. Many drivers from around the country have never exposed to such slippery roads, low visibility/white-outs, or strong winter winds as North Dakota offers. Therefore, it is truly each of our responsibility to check ourselves, the driver if you are a passenger, or even a fellow teammate you may observe being careless on the road.

I am not going to invoke "situational integrity" and act like I have never been "that driver." I too have driven with excessive speed for the conditions. Then after arriving at my destination safely, have thought to myself, "Wow - that was pretty darn stupid."

But when I ask myself if I like being that guy, the answer is a resounding "No!"

My challenge to each of you is to commit to making a 2012 resolution to put aside "situational driving integrity" and ensure safe travels for us and anyone else on the roads we share.