THP increases patrols ahead of holiday weekend

JACKSON, Tenn. — The long holiday is already underway and thousands are already hitting the roads across the state.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol said with that increased traffic comes increased patrols to make sure this holiday is safe for everyone on the roads

“When we see a spike in travel and in the number of vehicles out there we see more chance for a crash,” Sgt. Chris Richardson said.

State troopers will be out in full force through Sunday cracking down to keep you safe.

“People just need to realize they have to pay attention they have to not be distracted,” Sgt. Richardson said.

THP said they will have a “no tolerance” policy hoping to prevent fatal crashes, especially for driving drunk and not wearing a seat belt.

“We’re 5 fatalities down statewide than we were this time last year,” Richardson said. “We hope to keep that trend going and even lower.”

Troopers said they will even be using new software to help target areas known for wrecks.

“All of the factors that go into this we get a better idea of where to get ahead of the crash hopefully and prevent it from even happening,” Sgt. Richardson said.

Prices at the pump may keep some drivers off the road this holiday. According to AAA, on average, prices are up 20 cents from last month.

“I figured it would go up right around the holiday but I think it will drop back down,” driver Amber Laffoon said.

But if you do plan of tackling the roads troopers said take responsibility for your own driving.

“This holiday weekend, other holiday weekends, and everyday we need to keep people safe,” Richardson said. “Our goal is zero fatalities as always.”

Overall across the state the Tennessee Highway Patrol said not only fatalities but crashes are down as well on Tennessee roadways from this time last year.