The Knoxville Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on the night of Friday, April 14 in northwest Knoxville.
KPD officers will staff the checkpoint, which will be set up on Western Avenue. The purpose of the checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, prevent serious or fatal crashes, and increase public awareness of the consequences of driving while under the influence.
During the checkpoint, officers will check motorists for signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
“Operating a vehicle while impaired by drug or alcohol use is extremely dangerous and reckless, and it puts everybody sharing the road at risk,” KPD West District Commander John Kiely said. “Sobriety checkpoints are another tool that we have at our disposal to remind our community about the dangers of driving while under the influence and conduct high-visibility enforcement to remove impaired drivers from the road.”
Alcohol or drug impairment possibly contributed to over 43 percent of the fatal crashes that happened in Knoxville in 2022.
Last year, the KPD acquired a DUI checkpoint trailer through the Tennessee High Safety Office (TNHSO) Traffic Services grant that will be used during the April 14th sobriety checkpoint.
The Knoxville Police Department reminds motorists to always practice safe driving habits in all situations. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, buckle up, reduce distractions and pay attention to the road, and find a sober ride when under the influence.