Oak Ridge Today

Oak Ridge police increase DUI enforcement during holidays

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The Oak Ridge Police Department is partnering with the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office to enhance DUI enforcement from December 18 to January 3, surrounding the holiday season. The statewide Booze It and Lose It campaign is part of a national mobilization to prevent drunk driving.

During the first nine months of this year, Tennessee experienced 4,740 known alcohol-related crashes. That equates to an average of 17 people each day making the decision to get behind the wheel after they have been drinking.

During the holiday times, the Oak Ridge Police Department will be conducting saturation patrols throughout the city. Officer will be focusing on impaired driving, distracted driving, unrestrained motorist, as well as other traffic violations.

“We can’t stand to see this tragic loss of life again and again,” said Chief of Police James T. Akagi. “The hardest part of the job is making that house call and telling a family that their loved one is gone because someone chose to drink and drive. That’s why, leading up to the holidays, we will show zero tolerance for drunk drivers on the road. Please find a safe and sober ride home.” [Read more…]

Anderson County Sheriff to target drunk drivers on July 4 holiday

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Drive Sober

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Department will be out in full force, cracking down on drunk driving on July 4 and, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger, a press release said.

“The Fourth of July is a favorite holiday for many Americans,” the release said. “Families and friends gather to celebrate our country with food, parades, parties, and fireworks. For many people, the celebration includes alcohol, but the holiday quickly goes from festive to fatal when people choose to drive after drinking.”

Anderson County Sheriff Paul White said the department wants to make the roads safer on the holiday. [Read more…]

Clinton Police officer receives state DUI enforcement award

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Clinton Police Department Officer Dustin Hensley, left, and Chief Rick Scarbrough are pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Clinton Police Department Officer Dustin Hensley, left, and Chief Rick Scarbrough are pictured above. (Submitted photo)

Officer Dustin Hensley of the Clinton Police Department was recently recognized by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office for his persistence in keeping drunk drivers off the streets of Clinton, a press release said.

Hensley received a DUI/Impaired Driving Enforcement award for his work from Jan. 1 through Oct. 1, 2013, the release said. He was nominated by Lt. Larry Miller, who heads up CPD’s Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

The special award plaque was presented Dec. 9 during the GHSO joint network meeting at the Holiday Inn in Knoxville. [Read more…]