The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) has announced plans to conduct a sobriety checkpoint on January 31st. The checkpoint will be located on N. Broadway, just north of the downtown area, and will be staffed by KPD officers. The primary goal of this initiative is to deter impaired driving, prevent serious or fatal accidents, and raise public awareness about the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the checkpoint, officers will evaluate motorists for any signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Statistics from 2024 indicate that impaired driving may have been a factor in at least 10 fatal crashes in Knoxville. To aid in these efforts, the KPD will utilize a DUI checkpoint trailer, obtained at no cost to Knoxville taxpayers through a grant from the Tennessee High Safety Office (TNHSO) Traffic Services.
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In a previous sobriety checkpoint held on November 21st on Cumberland Avenue, KPD officers managed to stop over 700 vehicles, resulting in one DUI arrest. The Knoxville Police Department continues to urge motorists to adhere to safe driving practices. This includes slowing down, wearing seatbelts, minimizing distractions, staying attentive to the road, and refraining from driving under the influence. For more information, visit the KPD’s news page here.
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Road Closures and Construction in East Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Transportation outlines roadwork and closures in East Tennessee from January 16 to January 22, 2025, advising drivers to be cautious and anticipate delays. Specific closures and repairs are noted in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Knox, Roane, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. For more information, visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation SmartWay website or follow updates on Twitter at @knoxville511 and @TN511.