East Ridge police are partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to increase DUI enforcement across Tennessee from Aug. 19 to Labor Day as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's nationwide mobilization against drunk driving, according to an East Ridge Police Department news release.
In 2015, Tennessee lost 239 lives to alcohol-related traffic crashes, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's TITAN Division. Thus far in 2016, Tennessee has experienced 118 alcohol-related fatalities.
"No life is worth losing to drinking and driving," said Jason Ivey, Interim Director for THSO. "In 2016, you can access the world at your fingertips. You can hail a taxi, request a rideshare, text a friend, call a family member, and more! With so many inexpensive alternatives, there's no excuse to drive when you're impaired."
A single DUI conviction may cost an individual $10,000 or more, in addition to jail time. Offenders could also be required to install a vehicle ignition interlock device and/or attend drug and alcohol treatment.
To drastically reduce alcohol-related crashes, high-visibility enforcement efforts like sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and multi-jurisdictional initiatives will be coupled with strategic "Booze It & Lose It" campaign messaging.