ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Expect to see more police cars than usual on the road as local and state law enforcement agencies step up DUI patrols for the New Year’s holiday.
Clarksville police will conduct impaired driving enforcement with the help of funds from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The “Booze It & Lose” campaign aims to reduce injuries and fatalities.
Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson says his office will have deputies out in full force. “Be responsible when you drink,” he said. “If you have a loved one with you, make sure that they’re not driving because we definitely don’t want to end 2014 on a sad note with a death.”
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will conduct saturation patrols. If you are pulled over by a state trooper, you will not be able to refuse a blood test under the state’s no refusal law. That allows search warrants for blood samples of suspected impaired drivers.
The Hopkinsville Police Department announced DUI checkpoints will be in place through New Year’s Day.
The Clarksville Transit System (CTS) will offer free bus service through “Operation Safe Ride.” Beginning at 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 4 a.m., CTS will provide a free ride to anyone who is too impaired to drive home.
CTS emphasizes that this is not a shuttle service. People will be picked up at their location and driven directly home. Their number is (931) 553-2429.
If you live on Fort Campbell and decide to use “Operation Safe Ride,” they will take you to Gate 4 and from there you will be given a ride to your residence on post.
In the Nashville area the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office offers a Sober Ride. Three pick-up locations include Second Avenue and Church Street, Demonbreun Street at the Roundabout, and Five Points in East Nashville. Visit https://www.nashville.gov/ for more information.