The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is typically celebrated through picnics, pool parties, fun times at the lake, and barbecues as families and friends enjoy the last few days of summer. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday is also one of the deadliest, with drunk drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways and waterways.
This Labor Day, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) for its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign from August 17 to September 5, surrounding the Labor Day holiday. This initiative coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization to increase impaired-driving enforcement nationwide.
During this period of time, HCSO Uniformed Services, Marine Patrol, and Traffic Unit personnel will be proactively monitoring our county’s roadways and waterways in search of impaired and intoxicated drivers.
“This Labor Day weekend, I want to encourage everyone to be a good neighbor, courteous to others, and patient during your travels and holiday activities, said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “When celebrating with family and friends, don’t put yourself or others in danger by choosing to drive under the influence. Use a designated driver or a ride service such as Uber or Lyft. If you choose to drive under the influence endangering yourself and others, HCSO deputies are committed to removing you from our roadways. Help us ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.”
For those who will celebrating near bodies of water such as pools, lakes, and rivers, please make sure you have appropriate safety devices such as life jackets and flotation devices. If you will be boating, please make sure you have your proper documents, floatation devices, and fire extinguisher(s). Please keep an eye on children at all times.
For those choosing to celebrate, remember, the consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in his/her vehicle.
Sheriff Garrett and the men and women of the HCSO wish you and your family a happy and safe Labor Day!
For more information on how you can keep your family safe this holiday weekend, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.
