The July 4 holiday is one of the deadliest, and Anderson County authorities are stepping up their efforts this week to catch drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.
“Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking, so our deputies will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers,” Anderson County Sheriff Paul White said in a press release.
Hoping to cut down on impaired driving, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department is taking part in a new statewide “No Refusal” campaign by conducting saturation patrols during this week’s Independence Day holiday period. A saturation patrol uses a large number of officers in a small geographic area.
The patrols started Friday and end Sunday, July 8, an Anderson County Sheriff Department’s press release said.
“No Refusal” is a law signed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam in May, where law enforcement officers can get search warrants for blood samples from people arrested for driving while under the influence if the person refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test, the release said. Once officers receive the warrant, they will take the person under arrest to have their blood drawn and sent to be tested for alcohol and drugs.
The press release said a sobriety checkpoint will be held Saturday evening, July 7, on Lake City Highway (U.S. 25W) near Lake City. This will be a multi-agency effort sponsored by the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office. It’s supported by a grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.
For more information, visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov.
Mare Martell says
That would explain why there have been actual police cars patrolling not only on my street but all over Oak Ridge. I wondered why I saw three police cruisers going by on my street when we rarely see one a day.
Carol D says
Our neighborhood in Roane Co. has also suddenly had Roane Co cruisers making their presence known, At first everyone was suspicious of the sudden appearance, but Sheriff Jack Stockton assured us that they were just there to reassure us.
Carol Donarh says
People in the Roane Co part of Oak Ridge have also noticed a police presence suddenly.
kay williamson says
I am glad they are doing this, if you drink and drive you risk others, if you want to kill yourself go ahead but don’t take someone’s love one with your drunk stupid ass.