McMinnville Police Department will be conducting saturation patrols this weekend. The extra officers will be looking for unsafe drivers and individuals who exhibit signs of intoxication.
Lt. Mark Mara says the department has a goal of safety for every motorist within the city this holiday weekend.
“We want to catch individuals who drive intoxicated or recklessly because it makes the roads safer for everyone,” said Mara. “On the other hand, we hope everyone adheres to this warning and we don’t have to arrest or cite anyone. The goal remains the same: for everyone to have a safe holiday weekend.”
This weekend the department will be targeting motorists who exhibit signs of unsafe driving, an indication of intoxication. A patrol team comprised of highly motivated and trained officers will actively pursue impaired drivers by patrolling the streets and conducting traffic stops when hazardous driving is observed.
Intersections will be included.
“We are going to be targeting intersections along the bypass,” said Mara. “Specifically, ones where we see a high number of motor vehicle accidents because of motorists running red lights.”
Due to the high number of tickets given in the past for drivers and passengers being unrestrained in vehicles, the effort will also target seatbelt violations.
Residents can help make the streets safer by reporting vehicles being operated in an unsafe manner to 668-7000 or 911. Please help 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.
Operation “Be A Survivor: Get A Designated Driver” has received funding from the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office.