Johnson City Police Department to increase impaired driving enforcement Labor Day weekend

The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) reminds everyone about the dangers of impaired driving as the Labor Day weekend approaches. In conjunction with the National Highway Safety Administration, officers will be participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization initiative to increase impaired-driving enforcement nationwide. 

Statistics show Labor Day weekend remains the second deadliest weekend and fourth most dangerous holiday in the United States for traffic related deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 30 individuals are killed daily in drunk-driving crashes totaling more than 11,000 each year.

Working together, we can reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths on Johnson City roadways. JCPD and THSO want to remind all drivers that impaired driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.  As people celebrate this Labor Day weekend, the decision to not drink and drive should never be a tough one.

• It is never okay to drink and drive. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
• Designate a sober driver or plan a ride service to get home safely.  Don’t let friends drive home drunk.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.

The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

The THSO provides grant funding to support Johnson City Police Department’s increased enforcement efforts during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. For more information about the THSO, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.

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