Menu
As we approach Thanksgiving, a time renowned for gratitude and family gatherings, Tennessee’s roads will witness an influx of travelers. To ensure the safety of these journeys, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has initiated a remarkable law enforcement initiative, the Tennessee Interstate Challenge.
Jeff Long, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, along with THP Colonel Matt Perry and Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis, have announced this statewide effort to commence on November 23 and extend throughout the weekend. This period is notably one of the busiest on Tennessee’s highways, with an array of drivers covering vast distances.
The Tennessee Interstate Challenge involves strategically placing troopers every 10-20 miles along all Tennessee interstates. This measure is not just a show of force but a proactive step towards mitigating traffic violations and enhancing road safety. Perry has urged all law enforcement agencies to adopt a stringent approach towards traffic violations within their jurisdictions. Even areas without an interstate presence will witness heightened patrols on secondary roadways.
Commissioner Long emphasizes the initiative’s objective: to reduce crashes and ensure safe passage for those traveling to celebrate Thanksgiving. “We cannot enforce our way out of traffic incidents,” Long admits, recognizing the limitations of enforcement. He instead calls for a collaborative effort, urging drivers to wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, and refrain from driving under the influence.
The necessity of such measures is underscored by the statistics from the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday: THP made 89 DUI arrests and reported 511 vehicle crashes, including 14 fatalities. These figures, while stark, hardly convey the full impact on the families affected by these tragedies.
Colonel Perry highlights the incalculable benefits of past traffic enforcement efforts. While the number of averted incidents remains unknown, the positive impact of stopping hazardous driving is undeniable. The goal, as Perry puts it, is clear: “no fatal crashes.”
To help your trucking company grow.
Useful Links