Increased DUI enforcement this weekend (July 4-6)

From the Metro Nashville Police Department. Please drive carefully this weekend, and don't drink and drive!

Extra duty Metro police officers being paid through a Governor’s Highway Safety Office grant intend to make their presence known throughout Davidson County this 4th of July weekend as they specifically look for impaired and/or aggressive motorists.

A dozen extra duty officers will be on the streets each day, Friday through Sunday, primarily during the hours of 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. They will complement the six-member DUI Unit, which will also be on patrol much of that same time.

“Drunk driving is a true stranger crime that has absolutely horrific implications on innocent families,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “The men and women of this police department understand the irreparable damage drunk drivers can cause, and will be doing everything possible to get them off our roadways before a tragedy occurs.”

So far this year, extra duty officers working the grant assignment have arrested 854 suspected drunk drivers, an 18 percent increase over the same time last year. Through last weekend, the DUI Unit had arrested 920 suspected drunk drivers in 2008, a 30 percent increase over the same period in 2007.

Officers this weekend will be keeping a close watch on roadways leading to and from area lakes, as well as areas known for serious crashes and DUI arrests. “This weekend’s combined efforts of Metro police officers, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, and the Wildlife Resources Agency should send a clear signal that if you drink and drive, or boat under the influence, you stand a very, very good chance of being arrested,” Chief Serpas said.