State Has Fewer Traffic Deaths, Statewide Decrease in Seat Belt Use

(August 13, 2015) – The Tennessee Highway Patrol says fewer traffic-related deaths are being reported on roadways so far this year.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) —WBIR-TV (http://on.wbir.com/1IFItTQ) reports that as of Aug. 11, there had been 50 fewer deaths than reported last year in the same time frame. THP Lt. Don Boshears said the state is on track to have fewer traffic deaths than it recorded in 1963.

Data from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation show there were 961 traffic deaths in Tennessee in 2014. That’s 35 fewer than in 2013, when 995 fatalities were recorded.

Boshears said if the trend continues, “it will be the safest year on record.”

Tennessee Highway Patrol, Governor’s Highway Safety Office announces Statewide decrease in Seat Belt Usage

Nashville, TN – The Governor’s Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol have announced a decrease in seat belt use. The new statewide rate has been finalized at 86.2 percent for the month of June. This percentage represents a decrease from the previous usage rate of 87.7 percent.

The observational seat belt survey is performed by the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) Center for Transportation Research. The survey, which is conducted in accordance with federal requirements and standards, is mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.