Tennessee Highway Patrol Announce Results of "No Refusal" Enforcement & Thanksgiving Holiday Statistics
NASHVILLE ---The Tennessee Highway Patrol today announced that there was one alcohol-related fatality during the 16-county “No Refusal” DUI enforcement effort over the Thanksgiving Holiday period. Additionally, five suspects refused to take a blood alcohol level test and warrants were then obtained for a blood sample under the “No Refusal” law.
This campaign was a coordinated effort by the THP, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO), local district attorneys, and various local and state law enforcement agencies.
The “No Refusal” law allows law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. The goal is to deter impaired driving and reduce fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways.
The “No Refusal” enforcement began at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 21 and ended at midnight, Sunday, November 25. This special DUI enforcement was effective in selected counties: Monroe and Sevier (Knoxville District); Franklin and Grundy (Chattanooga District); Davidson and Sumner (Nashville District); Shelby and Fayette (Memphis District); Cocke and Washington (Fall Branch District); Clay and Putnam (Cookeville District); Lawrence and Maury (Lawrenceburg District); and Chester and Weakley (Jackson District).
Overall, 78 individuals were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Preliminary reports also indicate that six people were killed in six fatal crashes during the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday period, compared to nine vehicular fatalities during last year’s holiday period. Three of the vehicle occupants were not wearing seat belts. Also, three of the fatalities occurred in alcohol-related crashes, including one in Maury County, a “No Refusal” participant.
The results for the “No Refusal” Tennessee Highway Patrol enforcement effort in each of the 16 counties are listed below. The 2012 Thanksgiving Day holiday statistical report also accompany this release.
Monroe County
DUI arrests: 1
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Sevier County
DUI arrests: 1
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1
Franklin County
DUI Arrests: 9
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1
Grundy County
DUI Arrests: 4
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1
Davidson County
DUI Arrests: 8
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1
Sumner County
DUI Arrests: 4
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1
Fayette County
DUI Arrests: 2
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Shelby County
DUI Arrests: 5
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 1
Cocke County
DUI Arrests: 12
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Washington County
DUI Arrests: 17
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Clay County
DUI Arrests: 1
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Putnam County
DUI Arrests: 3
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Lawrence County
DUI Arrests: 3
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Maury County
DUI Arrests: 8
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Chester County
DUI Arrests: 0
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
Weakley County
DUI Arrests: 0
Refusal to take BAC test/
Search warrants obtained for blood samples: 0
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
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