With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, McMinnville Police Department wants to encourage observing the Irish-based holiday and discourage driving while intoxicated.
“Once again, we are not trying to discourage people from having fun during a holiday,” said Lt. Mark Mara. “Go ahead and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. However, designate a driver if you plan on drinking or taking anything that impairs your ability to drive.”
The department will be holding saturated patrols March 14-18 and will be working in conjunction with Warren County Sheriff’s Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol.
On March 17, people will be celebrating the life and work of the most famous Paddy in the world: Saint Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. Every year, Irish and the Irish-at-heart, observe St. Patrick’s Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.
Residents can help make the streets safer by reporting vehicles being operated in an unsafe manner to 668-7000 or 911. Please give the dispatcher by giving the street name and a detailed description of the vehicle. It would be helpful to provide the make, model, and color of the vehicle, along with the license plate number.
“We really appreciate motorists who call in reporting individuals driving in an unsafe manner,” said Mara. “It does make a difference. This is a team effort. We need the community’s help and they need ours.”
Operation “Be A Survivor: Get A Designated Driver” has received funding from the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office.