Drunk driving and reckless driving kills. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, in 2023, impaired driving wrecks killed 12,429 people, equating to one death every 42 minutes. These jarring statistics have drawn the attention of the highest courts in the land, including the United States Supreme Court, who has referred to theses tragedies as “irresponsible,” “carnage,” “tragic,” “astounding,” and “chilling” – rare words from a court which typically refrains from using such charged language. Each and every one of those deaths were preventable – emergencies that require drunken or reckless driving are exceptionally rare, and there are plenty of taxis.
The Nashville Davidson County District Attorney’s Office is committed to fulfilling its part to driving these numbers to zero through thorough and accurate prosecution of any violation of these laws. Furthermore, the Nashville Office seeks to be an intense advocate for legislative change to ensure DUI enforcement laws constantly match both modern forensic science and the constituency’s moral compass. This is accomplished through intense networking with other local stakeholders, including law enforcement and fire departments, medical examiner offices, other local and state prosecution offices, local hospitals and treatment providers, legislative liaisons, and non-profits.
One death is too many. Until that number reaches and stays at zero, the Nashville Davidson County District Attorney’s Office will fervently advocate for the safety of Tennessee against drunken and reckless driving.