NASHVILLE ---Seven people were killed in traffic crashes in Tennessee during last year’s Halloween period between Tuesday, October 30 through Thursday, November 1. That’s why the Tennessee Highway Patrol is urging all motorists to drive cautiously, buckle up, never drive distracted and don’t drink and drive this Halloween.
One of the seven vehicular fatalities during last year’s Halloween period involved an unrestrained vehicle occupant. Two motorcyclists were killed. There were zero alcohol-related traffic deaths. Last year, state troopers issued 398 speeding and 83 distracted driving citations and arrested nine individuals on suspicion of drunk driving in Tennessee on October 31.
As of October 7, there have been 104 pedestrian fatalities in Tennessee in 2019. That’s nine more pedestrian deaths compared to this same time last year.
“Our troopers will increase patrols in the evening and will conduct a variety of traffic enforcement initiatives to ensure a safe Halloween,”Colonel Dereck R. Stewart said.
“There is simply zero tolerance for drunk, distracted or unrestrained drivers. We will be working hard to ensure that this is a safe Halloween for children and adults alike.”Stewart added.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate children are twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween compared to any other day of the year. Children are at a greater risk of being struck because they may not look for oncoming vehicles before crossing the road. They are smaller and more difficult to see. Plus they have trouble judging distances and speeds of oncoming vehicles.
THP personnel will conduct saturation patrols, sobriety and seat belt checkpoints, as well as bar and tavern checks this holiday period.
Below are tips parents, children and motorists should keep in mind before heading out this Halloween.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.