Lights on for Life Kicks Off Holiday Lifesavers Weekend

 

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) encourage drivers to participate in Lights on for Life Day on Friday, December 18th.

 

 “I’m urging all Tennessee drivers to take a stand against impaired driving and drive with their headlights on throughout the day Friday,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Participating in Lights on for Life Day is an easy way for everyone to spread awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.”

 

During Lights on for Life Day, motorists across the country drive with their headlights on as a symbolic remembrance of people killed or injured by impaired drivers. The day also serves as a reminder that State Troopers and other law enforcement officers, who will have their lights on throughout the day, will be on the lookout for impaired drivers during the upcoming holidays.

 

“The holidays are a time to celebrate, and for some people, alcohol is a regular part of those celebrations,” stated Colonel Mike Walker. “If you want to have a drink, that’s your business. If you want to have a drink and drive, then it becomes our business. Troopers will be working to save lives one stop at a time.”

 

In 2008, 327 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Tennessee that involved a driver with a blood  alcohol content (BAC) greater than .08, the legal limit. That represents 32 percent of the state’s 1,043 traffic fatalities. Nationally, 11,773 people died in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher in 2008.

 

“These are no accidents,” said Colonel Walker. “Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a mistake, it is a crime.”

 

Lights on for Life Day is also the kickoff for National Holiday Lifesavers Weekend.   During the three-day crackdown, December 18-20, a special emphasis is being placed on DUI enforcement. Sobriety checkpoints and driver license checkpoints will be conducted in counties throughout the state this weekend and throughout the holidays. Tennessee law allows fines of up to $1,500 and a maximum of 12 months in jail for first time DUI offenders. Multiple offenders can be sentenced to jail for up to six years and may be ordered to pay fines of as much as $15,000.

 

As of December 17, preliminary statistics indicate that 905 people have died on Tennessee roadways, a decline of 100 deaths (10 percent) compared to 1,005 fatalities at this same time a year ago.