The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) is ramping up efforts to combat impaired driving by announcing a sobriety checkpoint on the evening of Friday, March 22, 2024. This initiative, aimed at reducing the number of alcohol and drug-impaired drivers on the road, will be located on Magnolia Avenue in the Parkridge area.
Officers staffing the checkpoint will be on the lookout for motorists exhibiting signs of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. The checkpoint serves multiple purposes: to deter individuals from driving under the influence, to prevent serious or potentially fatal accidents, and to heighten community awareness regarding the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
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Statistics reveal the critical need for such measures, with alcohol or drug impairment being a contributing factor in over 43 percent of fatal crashes in Knoxville during 2022. These sobering figures underscore the importance of the KPD’s efforts to ensure the safety of the city’s roads.
In a significant boost to their capabilities, the KPD acquired a DUI checkpoint trailer in 2022. This acquisition was made possible through the Tennessee High Safety Office (TNHSO) Traffic Services grant, ensuring no additional cost was borne by Knoxville taxpayers. The trailer will be deployed at the upcoming March 22nd sobriety checkpoint, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation.
The Knoxville Police Department is also taking this opportunity to remind all motorists of the importance of practicing safe driving habits. These include adhering to speed limits, wearing seat belts, minimizing distractions while driving, paying attention to the road, and most importantly, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Through these measures, KPD hopes to foster a safer driving environment for all Knoxville residents.
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