Hamilton County, TN - The HCSO is partnering with the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office to enhance DUI enforcement from December 18 to January 3, surrounding the holiday season. The statewide Booze It and Lose It campaign is part of a national mobilization to prevent drunk driving.

During the first nine months of this year, Tennessee experienced 4,740 known alcohol-related crashes. That equates to an average of 17 people each day making the decision to get behind the wheel after

they have been drinking.

Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with checkpoints and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce the toll of drunk driving.

Sheriff Jim Hammond stated, "The holidays are meant to be a festive and joyful time. The HCSO encourages residents to be responsible during the holiday's and always designate a driver or family member to give each other a ride home should they have too much to drink."

Sheriff Hammond noted, a single DUI conviction can cost an individual $5,000 or more in addition to jail time. Offenders could also be required to attend drug and alcohol treatment or to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

For more information on traffic safety, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org or www.hcsheriff.gov.