THSO Prepared for ‘Booze It and Lose It’ Campaign

Tennessee law enforcement agencies are set to participate in the Tennessee Highway Safety Office’s ‘Booze It and Lose It’ campaign next week.

Fred Sherrill is the Cumberland Region Law Enforcement Liaison for the THSO. He said the campaign is designed to help prevent people under the influence from getting behind the wheel.

“We’re really wanting to take a special emphasis on traffic and people that’s going to the Halloween parties and all that kind of stuff,” Sherrill said. “[We’re] just making sure that everyone knows not to go out and drink and drive, and create a traffic hazard.”

Sherrill reminds those planning on attending Halloween parties next week to drink responsibly and make good decisions.

“We know there’s going to be parties. You know there’s going to be get-togethers and that kind of stuff, and there may be alcohol involved,” Sherrill said. “But what we really want to stress and make sure that somebody has their designated driver. Somebody that will refrain from drinking, and make sure that all their friends and family get home safe, and be that person that takes responsibility and gets everybody home safe.”

Sherrill said traffic safety also goes towards families who will be participating in community trick-or-treat events across the state over the next several days.

“Try to stay in well-lit areas to where people that are driving who are hauling the kids from one point to the other can see you,” Sherrill said. “Have two or three people with flashlights and stuff… Some type of reflective wear will be an asset all around just to make sure you’re seen and you don’t end up getting hit by a vehicle or some type of trouble like that.”

Sherrill said the various campaigns like ‘Booze It and Lose It’ help bring more awareness to drunk driving and have ultimately kept people under the influence off the roadways.

“We have seen an increase to where people, when they do go to parties, they’re arranging to stay,” Sherrill said, “so they’re not getting back on the roads and creating a hazard for those families that are out traveling, especially for those little ones that are out trick-or-treating throughout the week.”

Sherrill said the campaign is expected to begin Sunday and run throughout the Halloween week. The Cookeville Police Department released a statement Tuesday saying they will participate in the campaign by conducting saturation patrols in target areas throughout the week.