Putnam To Increase Drunk Driving Presence On New Year’s Eve

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department will combat New Year’s Eve drunk driving by having more officers on duty.

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said the county has averaged some seven DUIs per year between Christmas and New Years Day over the last three years. Farris said the department plans to have a few extra officers monitoring busy areas and driving through smaller county roads.

“Certainly don’t like working wrecks and bad wrecks, and we don’t like knocking on somebody’s door and telling them that a loved one has had a terrible wreck and has passed on,” Farris said. “That’s an awful thing for us to have to do, and it’s an awful thing to be on the receiving end of that.”

Farris said since Cookeville has legalized the sale of liquor by the drink, the downtown area has become a focal point for the department during the holidays. Farris said even still, the majority of drunk driving goes on when people leave private house parties. Farris said anyone who sees someone driving erratically should call the Sheriff’s Office immediately.

“It’s not about us trying to see how many DUIs we can get,” Farris said. “That’s not what it’s about. What it’s about is saving lives, so anybody that sees anybody that may not be driving very well, yes, please call us.”

Farris said much of the danger is away from heavily populated areas. Farris said there are so many roads throughout the rural parts of the county that are difficult enough to drive as it is, let alone while under the influence.

“Quite honestly, it’s difficult to drive on when you’re sober and when the road conditions are very good and the light conditions are good,” Farris said. “Being under the influence on some of these roads is just certainly asking for trouble.”

Farris said things have to go on as normal and the department has to respond to other calls during the holidays like they always do, so there will not be a major traffic detail or checkpoints. However, officers will be reminded to be more mindful and keep their eye out for suspicious driving activity. Farris said asking for a ride home should be an easy decision when the alternative could result in a DUI charge.

“That’s certainly a serious charge, it’s a lengthy charge, it’s certainly an inconvenience charge, it’s a criminal charge that costs you a lot of money,” Farris said.

Farris said people who have had too much to drink and cannot secure a ride home should not hesitate to call the Sheriff’s Office and request a ride. Farris said the department would be happy to provide a ride home when the alternative is extremely dangerous. Citizens who need a ride or see someone driving recklessly can contact the Sheriff’s Office at (931)-528-8484.