THP to Crackdown on Drunk Drivers

The Tennessee Highway Patrol announced today that state troopers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest enforcement blitz. To make sure motorist are obeying the law, the Tennessee Highway Patrol will conduct sobriety and driver license checkpoints across the state in an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injury crashes in Tennessee.

Its obvious to recognize someone whos had way too much to drink to drive safely. But what about those who have had just a few too many? said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. There is never an acceptable amount of alcohol to have consumed to drive safely. Dont be a threat to yourself and others. If you drink, dont drive, period.

The consequences of drinking and driving are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their drivers license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

Driving while impaired isnt worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if youve had too much holiday spirit, youd better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high, stressed THP Commander, Colonel Mike Walker.

During the 2008 July 4 holiday weekend, 11 people died on Tennessee roadways. Thats a fatality rate of one death every seven hours and six minutes. Six of the seven people killed in automobile crashes last year were not wearing seatbelts. Four motorcyclists also died during the July 4th holiday weekend last year. Three of the deaths, or 27 percent, occurred in alcohol-related crashes.

In 2007, national statistics indicate 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states.

Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving dont mix. Impaired driving is no accident-nor is it a victimless crime. Its vitally important that we bring this tragic situation to an end. said Colonel Walker.

Drunk driving is one of Americas deadliest problems. Nationwide, in 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,988 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.

In Tennessee in 2008, 1,043 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 78 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.

Alcohol plays a big role in motorcycle fatalities too. Forty-one percent of the 2,182 motorcycle riders who were killed in single-vehicle crashes nationwide in 2007 had BAC levels of .08 or higher. In fatal crashes for 2007, a higher percent of motorcycle riders had BAC levels of .08 or higher than any other type of vehicle driver. Ten of the 144 motorcycle riders who were killed in Tennessee in 2008 had BAC levels of .08 or higher.

In more than 30 years with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Ive had to tell a lot of people that a loved one has died in a traffic crash, said THP Colonel Mike Walker. Its never an easy job, but what makes it tougher is knowing that many deaths could have been prevented if the victims were wearing seat belts.

Nationally in 2007, 71 percent of the passenger vehicle occupants in fatal crashes who were buckled up survived the crash.

During the 2009 Memorial Day holiday, the Department of Safety launched its Traffic Fatality Victims Memorial. More than a thousand people die each year on Tennessee roadways, and this online memorial is designed to give family members of those killed on our highways an opportunity and place to memorialize and remember their loved ones. For more information regarding the TN Department of Safety Traffic Fatality Victims Memorial, please visit our website .