With the Covid-19 pandemic and everything else that has disrupted daily life, there is very little that has been “normal” about 2020. But even though Tennesseans have spent far less time on the roads this year (due to the stay-at-home orders and working remotely), law enforcement is still preparing for what is often an annual trend.
Summer is typically a busy time for road travel, especially as people take vacations at the beginning and end of the season. Therefore, in the weeks leading up to Labor Day, state and local police will be increasing enforcement efforts in an attempt to catch and arrest drunk drivers. The “Booze It and Lose It” campaign runs from August 21 through September 7.
The campaign is sponsored by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and coincides with a similar national effort known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Enforcement efforts will include increased patrols, DUI checkpoints and public service announcements about the campaign and the dangers of drunk driving.
If your summer or holiday plans include the consumption of alcohol, please make arrangements for alternate transportation or drink moderately enough that you are safe to drive home. And it is important to note that although the blood-alcohol concentration for DUI is 0.08 percent, you can be charged with a lower BAC if a police officer determines that you are impaired.
Another important reminder: during any campaign of increased police enforcement, mistakes can and will be made. In their zeal to take drunk drivers off the road, law enforcement agencies may end up charging innocent drivers. Therefore, your safest bet is to find alternative transportation if you’ll be drinking at all.
If you are among the unlucky number of Tennesseans who get charged with DUI over the next few weeks, please don’t play a passive role in your own case. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight to protect your rights and freedom.
