‘Significant drop’ in traffic deaths over Independence Day holiday weekend in Tennessee, THP says

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Tennessee Highway Patrol said there was a significant drop in traffic deaths across the state during the Independence Day holiday period.

According to THP, four people were killed in crashes from Thursday evening to Monday morning, down from 18 who were killed during the same time last year.

During the holiday weekend, THP says its troopers investigated 132 crashes, responded to 49 injury crashes, made 99 DUI arrests and helped 752 drivers across the state.

Troopers said this decline in deadly crashes comes after the launch of safety campaigns focusing on high-crash areas.

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“Seeing fatalities fall from 18 to four is progress, but our work continues,” said Colonel Matt Perry, Commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “Troopers were out in force to protect the public, and campaigns like Safe on 70 support our broader safety mission.”

Locally, the Knoxville Police Department said there were no deadly crashes and seven DUI arrests from 4 p.m. on July 3 through July 4.

There were also five crashes with injuries, 22 crash investigations, 109 citations and 17 motorists that were assisted.

THP said high-visibility enforcement will continue throughout the summer travel season.

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