(McMurfreesboro in McRutherford County) The area gets a wee bit more Irish this time of the year, but one habit is being shunned--drinking an driving. This is St. Patrick's weekend with the wear'n of the green falling on Sunday (3/17/2024), but that won't be the sole day of merriment.
Rutherford County law enforcement agencies are linking arms and warn, "'Don't Press Your Luck', if you drink and drive
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations result in one of the deadliest days for drinking and driving on roads nationwide".
The Tennessee Highway Patrol noted, “Year after year, the rate of impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes is higher at night on St. Patrick’s Day."
That’s the reason Rutherford County Sheriff’s Sgt. Austin Watson is coordinating an “Operation Spring Slow Down” event.
Officers with the Rutherford County Traffic Safety Task Force will work overtime and concentrate on preventing traffic deaths from 6 p.m. to midnight St. Patrick’s Day primarily on Interstate 24 and city streets.
“The goal here is to cut down on impaired drivers during St. Patrick’s Day,” Watson said.
Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, Murfreesboro, Smyrna and MTSU Police and sheriff’s deputies are urging people who plan to drink to refrain from driving. Drivers should:
- Get a designated driver.
- Use a ride share.
- Drink at home.
“Don’t Press Your Luck” is the theme of the event.
