Drivers will be checked for drinking and driving and wearing seat belts during a sobriety and safety checkpoint from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday on U.S. Highway 231 North ( Lebanon Highway ), a sheriff’s captain said.

            The checkpoint is funded from a grant by the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, said Capt. David Hailey, who supervises the Patrol Division. Law enforcement officers from other agencies within the county will be invited to participate.

            Officers will concentrate on drinking drivers and seat belt since intoxication and lack of wearing seat belts contribute to the increased number of traffic fatalities this year in Tennessee .

            “With our recent traffic fatalities, we are focusing on seat belts, sobriety and safety of all passengers,” Hailey said.

            Deputies will distribute pamphlets about the “Click It or Ticket” campaign to urge drivers to wear seat belts for safety.