TN Dept of Safety and Homeland Security holds statewide Thanksgiving Travel briefing
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security held its annual Thanksgiving Travel Briefing on Tuesday, November 25, and addressed safety tips and increased law enforcement presence during holiday travel.
THP Colonel Matt Perry, THSO Director Buddy Lewis, and TDOT Traffic Operations Division Director Josh Brown all spoke regarding the increased travel during this season.
Col. Perry said the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday that follows are the two busiest travel days of the year. During these days, as well as throughout the entire holiday, Perry said there will be an increased presence and traffic enforcement by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
“Our mission is clear, safety is non-negotiable,” said Perry. “Our presence will be overwhelming.”
Perry said troopers will be posted approximately every 20 miles along the interstate and will be consistently pulling over drivers that are driving in an unsafe manner. He said he is asking every motorists to commit to three things: buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive distracted.”
According to the highway patrol, there were eight fatalities in Tennessee during the Thanksgiving holiday travel season in 2024. Perry said the highway patrol is aiming for zero fatalities in Tennessee this year and they are working toward that goal by increasing traffic stops and safety enforcement.
“Check your speed, put your phone away, and always make sure every passenger is properly restrained,” said Perry.
Director Lewis said that motorists should be even more vigilant when driving a long distance.
“Get plenty of rest before the long drive,” said Lewis. “Drowsy driving is impaired driving.”
THP also reminds motorists to dial *847 (*THP) if they need roadside assistance from a trooper while traveling.
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