Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is staging a three-day crackdown on impaired driving as part of National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend. During the period (December 16-18), a special emphasis is being placed on DUI enforcement. Sobriety checkpoints and driver license checkpoints will be conducted in counties throughout the state this weekend.

"Impaired driving causes tragedies for many families," said Interim Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "The goals of this effort are to keep highways safe for motorists, and to remove unsafe drivers from the roads."

This time period was chosen because traditionally, the holiday season is a time of increased travel and alcohol consumption. To ensure motorists reach their destinations safely, THP will place extra patrols on problem roads during times when they know collisions are most likely to occur.

National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend is a highly successful program, and has been conducted every year since 1991 during the weekend before Christmas. Agencies combine forces in a massive effort to identify and apprehend drunk and drugged drivers and other traffic violators. In addition to DUI enforcement, THP will look for motorists who violate speed laws and fail to wear safety belts, as well as other traffic violations.

National Lifesaver Weekend is part of Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). This ongoing effort concentrates enforcement activities on the leading factors that cause fatal crashes during major holiday periods.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.