Today, Commissioner Jeff Long of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry joined multiple law enforcement partners to announce the “Tennessee Safe Thanksgiving Travel Challenge Initiative.”

The Tennessee Safe Thanksgiving Travel Challenge Initiative is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Sunday, Nov. 30. The initiative includes increased patrols from the THP and our law enforcement partners across the state. This will be an all-hands-on-deck approach to traffic safety. Colonel Perry has instructed all administrative commissioned members to be on patrol during this initiative. Troopers will be posted every 20 miles on all Interstates to observe for hazardous drivers. The THP will also focus on statewide enforcement efforts on all secondary roadways throughout the holiday season.

“We need your cooperation to achieve our goal,” said Colonel Matt Perry. “I’m asking every single driver to commit to three things: Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive distracted.” Check your speed, put your phone away, and always ensure every passenger is properly restrained.”

In 2024, there were eight fatal crashes resulting in eight fatalities during the Thanksgiving Holiday period from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 to 5:59 a.m. Monday, Dec 2. One fatal crash was alcohol related. Two of the eight fatalities, safety restraints were not worn. There was a fatality every 13 hours and 30 minutes during the 2024 Thanksgiving Day holiday period.

“Thanksgiving is one of those times that reminds us what really matters,” said Commissioner Jeff Long. “It’s about faith, family, and getting home safe to the people who love you. The men and women of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be out there watching the roads, but we need your help too. Slow down, buckle up, and don’t drive distracted or impaired. Let’s make sure every seat at the table is filled this Thanksgiving.”

“While most of us will be at home giving thanks with our families, TDOT’s HELP Truck drivers will be on the frontlines, working throughout the holiday weekend to assist with incidents and keep traffic moving. They sacrifice time with their own families so that others can make it safely to theirs,” said Josh Brown, TDOT Traffic Operations Director. “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but no amount of engineering can prevent dangerous driving behaviors. Safety depends on all of us making responsible choices behind the wheel.”

“This holiday season, make traffic safety a priority,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “The choices you make behind the wheel affect the safety of everyone around you. Be mindful and drive with care — for yourself, your passengers, and others traveling the roadway. Drive smart. Drive sober. Arrive alive.”

During your travels across Tennessee, please dial *847 (*THP) if you require highway assistance. This will connect you to a THP dispatcher.