Chief John Drake this afternoon announced that motorists driving with blown headlights or taillights will now receive the gift of free professional bulb replacement through vouchers being supplied to MNPD officers by the Lights On! program.
The MNPD is joining more than 140 police departments across the country to partner with Lights On!, which recruits local repair shops to accept the bulb replacement vouchers. The shops then submit the vouchers to Lights On! for payment.
Two local repair shops are participating in the program at the onset, Music City Auto Repair, 3464 Lebanon Pike, and Cooper Automotive Service, 2843 Lebanon Pike. Lights On! anticipates adding more shops to the Nashville list in the near future.
“A vehicle is less safe when one or more lights aren’t working,” Chief John Drake said. “The Lights On! program gives motorists an incentive to get their car or truck light fixed in a timely way without cost, while also promoting positive experiences with our officers. In vehicle stops where a blown light is the only issue, drivers can expect to receive only a repair voucher and be on their way.”
Sherman Patterson, Vice President of Lights On!, said the program provides a new approach to a societal problem.
“Instead of punishing drivers for broken lights, we turn a dreaded traffic stop into an opportunity to create positive interactions between communities and law enforcement, while mitigating what may be a financial hardship for some members of our communities.”
A grant to Lights On! from the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp is making the program possible in Nashville.
Related Images
Chief Drake
Chief Drake & Lights On! Vice President Sherman Patterson
Dwayne Cooper, owner of Cooper Automotive
Lights On Voucher