Designated drivers lead to fewer DUI arrests
The trend of using designated drivers for a safe trip home on New Years Eve is something lawmen hope will continue tonight as it has contributed to fewer alcohol-related crashes in recent years.
“We’ve seen fewer drunks on the road the past several years,” said McMinnville Police Capt. Bryan Denton. “In years past, we’ve filled up the drunk tank out at the jail with drunk drivers over New Years, but recently we’re seeing less of that.”
Denton said he attributes the reduction of drunk driving arrests in general on the use of designated drivers and large publicity campaigns warning of the results of drinking and driving.
Sheriff Jackie Matheny says he has seen the same thing across the county.
“The majority are using designated drivers and that’s what we want them to do,” Matheny said.
This year, local and state law enforcement agencies say they will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers around the holidays.
“Troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers will saturate the roadways this holiday season in an effort to save lives,” said Tennessee Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips.
According to Highway Patrol Colonel Lynn Pitts, traffic fatalities have decreased this year and the state is committed to seeing it stays that way.
“Troopers statewide will aggressively patrol the interstates and secondary roads looking for drunk drivers and other destructive behavior,” Pitts said. “We ask motorists to help us in our efforts by buckling up and obeying traffic laws.”
Both city and county agencies say they will have extra officers on patrol looking for drunk drivers this week.
“While the numbers have dropped, we aren’t going to let our guard down,” Denton said, noting motorists should keep in mind the legal level of intoxication for a driver has been dropped to .08.