RACE DETAILS:
The Returning Warrior 10-Miler is made up of three events, each held within scenic Otsiningo Park on Binghamton’s North Side. For ambitious runners, the main event will be the 10-Miler which consists of 2 laps from the main park to Otsiningo North and back. There will also be a 5-mile race for those who still want to support the cause but may not be ready for the full 10 miles. A kid
s run will also follow the completion of the longer races. We encourage participants of all abilities and regardless of military status. Everyone knows someone who has served or who has been affected by a traffic collision and we want everyone involved. We encourage people to get out and have fun by walking, bringing the dog or even road marching with your buddies. There are discounts for team signups as well as for veterans. Details are on the registration page. PURPOSE:
The Returning Warrior 10-Miler is a project of the Broome County STOP-DWI Program and is in support of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group (STVSG) held to heighten awareness about service member’s transition from the dangers of warzone driving to the new risks they face on our public highways here at home. Motor vehicles crashes have quickly become the leading cause of death among veterans in the early years after returning from deployment according to the Veterans Administration. The Returning Warrior study released in 2012 by USAA indicates a 13 percent increase in at-fault accidents for troops within the first six months of returning from deployments. This number increases as the number of deployments increase and the age of the veteran decreases. As a leader in traffic safety with a long history of public awareness events, the Broome County STOP-DWI program along with the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the Binghamton Vet Center, Townsquare Media, and the Triple Cities Runners Club organized this event to connect veterans with the help they need through the Vet Center and the STVSG. TRAFFIC SAFETY CHALLENGES:
Returning veterans face a number of challenges when they arrive home, from reintegrating into their “normal” lives at home or work to trying to shake the idea that the Toyota Corolla in the next lane is trying to blow them up. Two factors that impact driving safety are “carryover” driving behaviors and impaired driving resulting from alcohol or drug abuse and medications for multiple chronic conditions. CARRYOVER DRIVING TECHNIQUES:
Driving techniques that were potentially lifesaving during a deployment can become deadly on civilian roadways. A reluctance to stop or driving at excessive speeds combined with hyper-vigilance of roadside elements is a perfect storm for a potentially deadly collision. Returning veterans report being told they drive dangerously. The majority reported feeling anxious when other cars approached quickly, boxed them in on a road or just driving in general. Comparatively, zero reported feeling anxious when simply driving prior to deployments. IMPAIRED DRIVING:
While the Returning Warrior study did not specifically examine causes of the increase in crashes, case studies on passive suicides committed by veterans show that a variety of factors contribute to this. These factors can include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), alcohol and/or drug abuse which may include multiple medications for chronic illnesses. A combination of all these factors has also shown to contribute to these passive suicides by creating a dangerous synergistic effect. Side effects such as poor judgment, spatial disorientation, and physical reaction impairment can lead to crashes, serious injuries or fatalities when driving. RESOURCES:
If you are a veteran or know a veteran struggling with a chronic condition such as PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, safe driving issues, or trouble adjusting in general and would like to learn more about what is available, please consider contacting the following agencies:
Binghamton Vet Center
The Vet Center serves eligible veterans and their families by providing an excellent continuum of quality care that adds value for the veteran, their family, and the community. This care includes quality counseling, community education, outreach to special populations, the brokering of services with community agencies, and provides a key link between the veteran and other services in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
53 Chenango Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 607-722-2393
Southern Tier Veterans Support Group
The mission of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group (STVSG) is to provide a network of resources for our local veterans, service members and their families. We will strive to educate the community on their needs and partner with other organizations so we can offer a broad range of services and assistance to enhance their physical, emotional and economic well-being. Box 1201
Vestal, NY 13851
607-205-8332
[email protected]
