DUI Crackdown for Independence Day
The Dandridge Police Department will be conducting heavy patrols throughout the community looking for impaired drivers the week of Independence Day. “Thanks to the DUI grant provided by the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office, we are able to put more officers on the roads looking for aggressive, reckless driving often caused by impaired drivers,” stated Chief Carson Williams.
Preliminary statistics for 2013 reveal that there were 26,417 DUI arrests in Tennessee. There were 6,977 known alcohol-impaired driving crashes which resulted in 277 fatalities. Those fatalities represent 27.8% of the total lives lost that year.
“The amount of alcohol that one person can drink in a day-long party or celebration can drastically reduce the motor skills needed to drive safely,” said Sergeant Chris Fair. “Combined with the fact that visual skills decrease at night, you have a recipe for disaster.”
“The week of July 4th is a great time for vacationing and relaxation in our community. The annual Shake ‘N’ Lake event on Douglas Lake, which includes an awesome fireworks display at the Point Marina, is an enjoyable event. We want everyone to have a good time by being safe and responsible,” said Williams. “We ask that if anyone observes a driver who might be impaired to please call 9-1-1. When possible, give a detailed description of the vehicle including a license plate number, what roadway the vehicle is on, and the direction that vehicle is going.”
