Police plan sobriety checkpoints for St. Patty's Day weekend

According to Lt. Brent Willett with the Lebanon Police Department, officers will conduct high-visibility impaired driver counter measures during St. Patrick's Day weekend.

"We're planning checkpoints on Highway 70 and/or Highway 109 on Friday," Willett said Thursday. "In addition, we'll be conducting saturation patrols. We'll be monitoring for DUIs while enforcing traffic violations and other offenses."

Willett said the deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol- or drug-related crashes.  

"Officers will be observing drivers who pass through the checkpoints looking for signs of impairment. We ask those citizens that may be briefly held up by the checkpoints to please be patient and understanding," he said. "Those who may consider drinking or using drugs that impair their ability to drive should think twice. A DUI conviction carries jail time, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges and a criminal record. Most importantly, driving under the influence can and often does result in the loss of innocent lives."
 
Funding for this checkpoint/saturation is possible through a grant from the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office.
 
For more information, contact Willett at 615-444-2323.