Deputies plan St. Patty's checkpoints

Cpl. Ray Justice with the Wilson County Sheriff's Department is spreading the word to would-be leprechauns that, while lifting a glass may be part of their holiday plans, driving afterwards shouldn't.

"We will be holding sobriety checkpoints at several locations from 6 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday," he said.

Justice said Academy Road at Highway 109, S. Mt. Juliet Road at Central Pike, Carthage Highway at Big Springs Road and the length of Saundersville Road are among the places deputies may have checkpoints.

"We will be checking for impaired drivers and other violations," Justice said.

He said while many think New Year's Eve is a prime drinking and driving holiday, sheriff's deputies have not found that to be the case.

"We actually have very few arrests on New Year's Eve," Justice said. "We have a lot more on Super Bowl Sunday and St. Patrick's Day."

So if a celebration of the old sod includes green beer, Irish whiskey or anything alcoholi,c Justice advises planning ahead by designating a sober driver.

"Even if you're wearing green from head to toe, if you drive drunk, you'll still get pinched." he said.