In response to the heightened risk of drunk driving incidents during St. Patrick’s Day, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office has highlighted the day as one of the most dangerous for road users nationwide. To combat this, Sgt. Austin Watson of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is spearheading the “Operation Spring Slow Down” initiative.
This targeted effort will see officers from the Rutherford County Traffic Safety Task Force working additional hours, focusing their attention from 6 p.m. to midnight on St. Patrick’s Day, especially along Interstate 24. The operation aims to curb traffic fatalities by enforcing stricter traffic regulations during this critical period.
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Participating in the operation are Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, along with police officers from Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and MTSU, and sheriff’s deputies. These law enforcement officials are collectively advising residents who intend to celebrate with alcohol to make responsible choices regarding their transportation. To this end, they recommend securing a designated driver, utilizing ride-sharing services, or simply choosing to drink at home as safer alternatives to impaired driving.
The concerted effort by Rutherford County’s law enforcement is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of all road users during a time traditionally associated with increased drinking and driving incidents. The community is urged to heed these recommendations and support the initiative for a safer St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
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