Frankfort Law Enforcement Partners Together to Increase Safety in Franklin County
This St. Patrick’s Day, Don’t Rely on Luck: “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving”
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 12, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP), the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), and the Frankfort Police Department (FPD) are partnering together to reduce impaired driving as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” campaign. While their uniforms may be different, their message is the same – Don’t drive impaired. Plan ahead and arrange for a sober ride.
Beginning today and continuing through March 17, 2026, troopers, deputies, and officers will conduct increased roving patrols and traffic safety checkpoints to identify and remove impaired drivers from local roadways.
The national campaign is part of an ongoing commitment by local law enforcement to reduce alcohol and drug-impaired driving.
“Impaired driving remains one of the most preventable causes of serious crashes on Kentucky roadways,” said KSP Captain Doug Carter. “Through this collaborative enforcement effort, our agencies are working together to keep our communities safe and hold those who choose to drive impaired accountable.”
In 2025, Kentucky had 3,546 alcohol-involved crashes resulting in 91 deaths. NHTSA reports that one person is killed every 42 minutes in the U.S.
“Preventing impaired driving requires teamwork,” said Franklin County Sheriff Dwayne Depp. “By working alongside partnering agencies, we help ensure Franklin County’s roadways are safe for everyone while strengthening the community we serve.
Through coordinated enforcement, education, and shared resources, these partnerships make a real difference in keeping impaired drivers off the road and protecting the lives of those traveling through our county. Working together allows us to build safer roads and a stronger community for all.”
Law enforcement officials encourage motorists who plan to attend St. Patrick’s Day festivities to plan ahead by arranging a designated driver, a rideshare service, or another safe transportation option.
“In this profession, we see firsthand that a single choice can have a lasting impact on an entire community, said FPD Assistant Chief Scott Tracy. “If you’re behind the wheel and you feel even a little ‘buzzed,’ you’re already making a gamble with someone else’s life. We want everyone to have a fantastic time enjoying everything Frankfort has to offer. Our request is simple: if your plans include alcohol, make sure they also include a safe way home. Let’s work together to keep our streets safe this week.”
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
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