THP Joins Other Agencies to Crack Down on Impaired Drivers
Nashville, Tennessee — The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is teaming up with officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) this upcoming July Fourth holiday weekend to crack down on impaired drivers on the road, as well as the water. The partnership was announced during a news conference held Tuesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m., at the Elm Hill Marina in Nashville. This year’s holiday period begins at 6:00 p.m., Thursday July 3, and lasts through 11:59 p.m., Sunday July 6.
“All too often, alcohol is part of the celebration, but a designated driver is not,” stated THP Colonel Mike Walker. “Our message is simple—drunk driving is against the law. It’s a crime, whether you are driving your car or driving your boat.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every 39 minutes and nearly 40 times a day, someone in the United States dies in an impaired driving-related crash. The Fourth of July is the second most deadly holiday period—just behind New Year’s. During the 2007 Independence Day holiday, seven people were killed on Tennessee roadways. Four (57%) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-related crashes.
Alcohol and/or drug use is a leading factor in many boating accidents, as well. Last year, it was a contributing factor in 10.6 percent of crashes. That is up from 6.3 percent in 2006.
“Boating accidents on Tennessee waterways dropped in 2007 from the previous year, but it’s disturbing to know that the number of alcohol-related crashes increased,” said TWRA’s Chief of Boating, Ed Carter. “Operating a boat impaired, like driving a car impaired, is illegal. If you are going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver, and that includes one to get you home safe from the lake or river.”
As part of the stepped-up Fourth of July holiday enforcement, Troopers will conduct dozens of sobriety and driver license checkpoints across the state. The goal of the checkpoints is to maintain high visibility and either deter motorists from driving impaired or get drunk drivers off Tennessee roadways.
The THP will also be participating in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.), beginning July 3 and throughout the holiday weekend. The initiative, which is conducted during major summer holiday periods, focuses on aggressive drivers, impaired drivers and drivers who do not use their safety belt. In addition, on Saturday, July 5, Troopers will team up with law enforcement agencies from across the country for “C.A.R.E. Across America.” Beginning at 8:00 a.m. that day, a Trooper or law enforcement officer will be stationed every 15 miles along Interstate 40. The campaigns are funded by grants provided through the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.
“Our strong relationship with the Tennessee Highway Patrol has resulted in a substantial decrease in roadway fatalities over the past 18 months,” stated Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Driving impaired or riding with someone impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. As Governor Bredesen has said ‘Don’t let a great time be the last time.’”