State records traffic fatalities
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 12:50 pm The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced the preliminary number of four traffic fatalities statewide during the 2014 Thanksgiving Holiday period, which began on midnight Wednesday, November 26 and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. If this year's preliminary figures remain, it would mark the lowest number of vehicular deaths during the Thanksgiving holiday period since the seven traffic deaths in 1983. In 2013, there were 12 vehicular deaths during the 120-hour Thanksgiving holiday. The department also reported that none of this year's holiday traffic fatalities occurred in alcohol-related crashes. Two of the individuals killed were not wearing seat belts. "We are pleased with the preliminary fatality figures during this year's Thanksgiving day period. We credit the state troopers and local law enforcement agencies who worked together to help ensure safe holiday travels throughout Tennessee," Commissioner Bill Gibbons said. The Tennessee Highway Patrol also revealed that there were zero traffic fatalities on Interstate 40 during the "I-40 Challenge" over the Thanksgiving period. The challenge was held on the busiest travel days of the holiday, specifically from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 30. "This was another successful year for the I-40 challenge. Our state troopers worked hard to keep Tennessee highways safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and can take pride in the fact there were zero traffic fatalities on I-40 during their watch," Colonel Trott said.
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