Media

“Designate Before You Celebrate”

Release Date: November 24, 2003

Traffic Checkpoints and Bar Visits By Metro D. U. I. Officers To Curb Those Driving Under The Influence This Thanksgiving Weekend.

Starting this Thursday, the Metro D. U. I. Unit as well as all Shelby County Sheriff's deputies, will be on high alert to stop anyone they believe may be driving under the influence. The enforcement effort will intensify this weekend.

“We know this is one of the busiest times of the year for holiday travelers. We'll be using every possible resource to keep our streets safe from impaired drivers,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

This Saturday night, Officers will begin the “Designate before You Celebrate” campaign. Several traffic roadblocks will be set up throughout Shelby County. Officers will be in a “zero tolerance” mode for speeding violations and those who are not wearing seatbelts.

Officers will also conduct safety checkpoints at several locations throughout Shelby County including:

• Interstate 240 and Interstate 40 ( All areas )
• Thomas at North Parkway
• Bill Morris Parkway from I-240 to Byhalia Road
• Winchester at Mendenhall

Besides the roadblocks, reserve D. U. I. officers and Shelby County Sheriff's deputies will be teaming up in pairs to visit bars and restaurants. Posters, buttons and stickers saying “Designate before You Celebrate” will be given out to employees and customers.

“A personal reminder from a law enforcement officer will no doubt encourage people to find another way home if they've had too much to drink. Our goal is to have no person hurt this weekend as a result of an impaired driver,” said Sheriff Luttrell.

Contact D. U. I. Officer Angie Lewis at 497-9727 for additional information. She will be helping coordinate the D. U. I. checkpoints and restaurant visits this weekend.

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