Four more people lost their lives in traffic crashes this year as compared to last year in Rutherford County.
To reduce traffic crashes and fatalities, Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold said sheriff’s deputies will partner with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office in the “Booze It Lose It” campaign from now through the Labor Day holiday. Robert Rickman has more...
VERBATIM
Of the 133 traffic fatalities in the Middle Tennessee area, 18 have occurred in Rutherford County. That number is up by four from 2012.
“Do not drink and drive,” Grissom said. “You will be stopped and you will be taken to jail. We encourage anyone that sees a suspected drunk driver to call the Sheriffs Office at 898-7770 and report the incident. You will most likely be saving someone’s life.”
Tony Burnett, GHSO Middle Tennessee liaison, said during a press conference Friday in Shelbyville that fatalities are down across the state in Tennessee but increasing in Rutherford and Bedford Counties.
The Labor Day holiday is one of the highest fatalities weekends in Tennessee, he noted. Flanked by Rutherford and Bedford County law enforcement officers, Burnett said officers will conduct roadblocks, sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to watch drivers who are distracted, impaired through alcohol or drugs and failure to wear seat belts.
“We’re passionate about using every means possible to keep your family safe,” Burnett said.
GHSO Director Kendell Poole said his agency provides overtime and equipment to local law enforcement officers to make Tennessee safer. GHSO provides both overtime pay and equipment to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office for DUI enforcement.
Capt. Grissom said deputies hope to prevent any more fatalities in the county.
“As everyone knows one injury because of an accident is one too many and even one fatality is definitely unacceptable,” Capt. Grissom said.
