As the Franklin community gears up to commemoratively celebrate Memorial Day and honor the accomplishments of graduating high school seniors, the Franklin Police Department has announced plans to ramp up DUI enforcement. In a recent statement, Chief Deb Faulkner highlighted the dual nature of the upcoming weekend, a time for both joy and vigilance. "Memorial Day weekend and graduation celebrations are times of joy and reflection," Faulkner said, according to an announcement from the city's website. "However, they also bring a heightened risk of impaired driving. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can celebrate safely without the tragedy of preventable accidents."
The department is set to begin strategically position additional officers throughout the area this week, extending their efforts through Memorial Day. Their main focus: to both identify and arrest impaired drivers. A special emphasis will also be placed around local high schools amidst their graduation events. "Underage drinking is illegal, dangerous, and can have lifelong consequences," Faulkner added in the statement released by the city's official website. "Parents need to be vigilant. Teens need to know that one night of poor judgment can derail their future. We will have zero tolerance for underage drinking and impaired driving."
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscores the necessity of such measures. Nearly 40% of Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities are alcohol-involved incidents. The state of Tennessee reported more than 7,700 DUI-related crashes in 2024, suggesting a persistent problem with impaired driving in the region.
In anticipation of the increased patrols, the Franklin Police Department is urging the public to always opt for safe alternatives when celebrating. Residents are encouraged to make full use to responsibly plan their transportation, whether it be through ride-sharing services, designating a sober driver or utilizing public transportation.
