Metro Police plan sobriety checkpoint for St. Patrick's Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The Metro Nashville Police Department is planning a sobriety checkpoint for St. Patrick's Day.

Nashville Traffic Division officers and troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be staffing the sobriety checkpoint on Murfreesboro Pike near the airport on the night of March 17. The move is past of the police department's effort to enhance traffic safety since authorities say St. Patrick's Day celebrations and parties often involve excessive drinking.

The checkpoint will be staffed by extra-duty MNPD officers working through a grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

Last year, there were 665 alcohol-related crashes in Davidson County. According to Metro Police, more than 45 percent of deadly crashes last year involved impairment.