News Summary
The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) is set to conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Kingston Pike to deter impaired driving. This initiative aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, especially as the summer season approaches. With an increase in fatal crashes linked to impairment, KPD encourages safe driving habits and personal responsibility among motorists. The checkpoint reflects a community commitment to road safety and aims to prevent accidents related to alcohol and drug use.
Knoxville—The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) is set to conduct a sobriety checkpoint on the night of Friday, June 20, in West Knoxville. The checkpoint will be located on Kingston Pike and aims to deter impaired driving, ultimately preventing serious or fatal crashes in the area.
The primary goal of the checkpoint is to increase public awareness regarding the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. KPD officers will be actively checking motorists for signs of impairment, which can include physical indicators of intoxication as well as erratic driving behaviors.
Impairment due to alcohol or drug use has become a significant concern in Knoxville, with at least 10 fatal crashes linked to such factors already reported in 2024. As a proactive measure, the KPD hopes that the checkpoint will help to communicate the risks associated with impaired driving and encourage safer driving habits among the public.
The upcoming checkpoint follows the KPD’s most recent sobriety checkpoint, which occurred on March 28, 2025, in the 1100 block of N. Broadway. During that event, officers assessed over 600 drivers for potential signs of intoxication but did not make any DUI arrests. This illustrates both the effectiveness of the checkpoints in identifying impaired drivers and the reliance on community support to help maintain public safety.
To further strengthen the message around responsible driving, the KPD advocates for several safe driving habits. These include slowing down, ensuring that seatbelts are fastened, minimizing distractions, maintaining awareness of the road, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The department continues to highlight the importance of these practices as critical components in reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities on the road.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies nationwide have adopted sobriety checkpoints as a tool to combat impaired driving. They are implemented in various locations, and their effectiveness can vary based on community participation and awareness. KPD’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring safety on Knoxville’s roads and addressing the ongoing issue of drunk and drugged driving.
As the June 20 checkpoint approaches, the KPD encourages all citizens to take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others. With the summer season upon us—a time often associated with social gatherings and increased alcohol consumption—the message about making safe choices becomes that much more important.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead if they intend to drink. Designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or relying on public transportation are practical alternatives that can ensure everyone arrives home safely. The KPD remains dedicated to maintaining high safety standards and reducing the potential for impaired driving incidents in Knoxville.
An increase in community engagement and shared responsibility among drivers can significantly decrease the number of alcohol or drug-related accidents. The upcoming sobriety checkpoint on Kingston Pike is one of many steps being taken to strengthen public awareness around this ongoing issue.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: KPD Sobriety Checkpoint June 20
- Hoodline: Knoxville Police Sobriety Checkpoint
- 1450 WLAF: THP Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
- Knox News: Shopper News Latest Happenings
- Local 3 News: Tennessee Highway Patrol Sobriety Checks
- Wikipedia: Sobriety Checkpoints
- Google Search: Sobriety Checkpoints
- Google Scholar: Sobriety Checkpoints
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sobriety Checkpoints
- Google News: Sobriety Checkpoints
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
