"Booze It and Lose It" Campaign Begins for Madison County Sherriff's Office

Local law enforcement is working to keep impaired drivers off the road.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign from now through September 4th. This campaign will be used to increase impaired driving enforcement nationwide.

Every day in the United States about 37 people have their lives taken by DUI related crashes. 39 News was able to speak with one community member who recently lost a loved one due to drunk driving.

“So long story short, he went out with his friends in Nashville. Then on his way back he jumped the median. And ended up in oncoming traffic and hit an 18-Wheeler,” said Akeyia Collins

Collins and other members of the Jackson community are warning people to make the right decision. Don’t drink and drive.

“Please make better choices. And if you got somebody that's going to be a designated driver, hold that incident because it's hard. So many people are dying because of Stupid stuff like this. Don't do it.” Akeyia Collins

“Anybody wanting to get out and Drink and Drive, it's not safe. Stay at home and drink at home.” said Doris Blackwell

“Don't Drink and Drive. Make sure you put your seatbelt on and be safe.” says William Briley

“You can never take a chance with drinking and driving. You can’t calculate one beer to many. It's best not to drink and drive at all. Because you're not only putting yourself in danger, but you’re also putting others at risk. It's better to be safe than sorry. Trust me.” said Jimmy Cruse

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will have an increased presence on county roadways to stop those who are driving intoxicated throughout the county. The consequences of a single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in the state of Tennessee may include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.