CC Sheriff, Woodbury Police to enforce drunk driving laws

The Cannon County Sheriff's Department and the Woodbury Police Department are partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to enhance drunk-driving enforcement from December 15 to January 1, surrounding the holiday season.

The statewide Booze It and Lose It campaign is part of a national mobilization to prevent drunk driving. During this holiday campaign all law enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers. With funds provided by THSO both departments are able to enhance their patrols to keep the motoring public safe.

"Losing a family member or loved one is hard. It is even worse when someone is injured or a loss of life occurs due to an intoxicated driver. It is a senseless tragedy" said Sheriff Young. "The Sheriff's Department will be out in full force looking for intoxicated drivers. We will find you, and you will go to jail."

Increased state and local messaging about the dangers of drunk driving, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, aim to drastically reduce alcohol-impaired driving.

"This time last year, there were 223 lives lost to impaired-driving crashes across Tennessee," said THSO Director Vic Donoho. "Our partnership with local law enforcement is vital to combat drunk driving this holiday season."

A single DUI conviction can cost an individual $5,000 or more, in addition to jail time. An offender could also be required to attend drug and alcohol treatment or to install an ignition interlock device inside his/her vehicle. Any penalty imposed by law pales in comparison to the injury or death of a loved one.

The THSO provides grant funding to support the Cannon County Sheriff's Department and Woodbury Police Department's efforts during the Booze It and Lose It holiday enforcement campaign. For more information about the THSO, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org or contact Arriale Tabson at Arriale.Tabson@TN.gov.4