RHEA DEPUTIES TO INCREASE IMPAIRED-DRIVING ENFORCEMENT WITH SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS
According to the Herald-News, the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department in Tennessee is ramping up impaired-driving enforcement over the New Year’s holiday to enhance public safety. Deputies will conduct highly visible saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints from 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, until 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, focusing on alcohol-impaired drivers, speeding, seat belt violations, and other traffic offenses under a strict Zero Tolerance Policy.
Specific checkpoint locations include Wassom Memorial Highway at Sandtown Road, Rhea County Highway at Cemetery Road and Life Care of Rhea County, Rhea County Highway at Darius McCuiston Lane, Hiwassee Highway at Blythes Ferry Road, Dayton Mountain Highway at Delaware Avenue, Rocky Springs Road at Muddy Creek Road, and Black Oak Ridge Road at Dean Corvin Lane. Sheriff Mike Neal emphasized that these measures, combined with high-visibility enforcement, aim to significantly reduce drunk-driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Officials, including Sheriff Neal and Chief Deputy John Argo, extended wishes for a safe and happy holiday season while highlighting that a first-time DUI conviction in Tennessee can result in substantial fines, court and legal fees, jail time, mandatory drug and alcohol treatment, and potentially the installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle.
