Pictured above from left to right are THP Trooper Kevin Jones, OSPD Patrolman Shannon Runyan, THP Sgt. Dennis Smith, and OSPD Sgt. Rick Hamby. (Photo courtesy OSPD)
The Oliver Springs Police Department has recently partnered with the Tennessee Highway Patrol in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities on Tennessee roadways.
THP started its “Drive to Zero†campaign on April 3. The goal of the campaign is to reduce traffic fatalities by 15 percent during 2014. The campaign addresses hazardous moving violations, distracted drivers, seat belt use, and driving under the influence, a press release said.
In the announcement for that campaign, THP Sgt. Dennis Smith said each state trooper and police officer in attendance were asked one question: How many traffic fatalities is acceptable on your watch, in your neighborhood, involving someone you know?
The answer was zero by everyone present, the press release said.
Smith went on to say that if you simply obey the rules of the road and drive safely, you decrease the chance of being in a crash drastically. Seat belt usage is a must, Smith said, adding that about 53 percent of fatal crashes involve unrestrained occupants.
As of May 21, Anderson County has had six traffic fatalities. Oliver Springs Police Chief Kenny Morgan echoed Smith’s message and asked motorists to slow down, buckle up, and refrain from driving under the influence. Both Morgan and Smith stated that driving under the influence will not be tolerated.
As part of a public awareness campaign, the Oliver Springs Police Department is displaying the “Drive Drunk, Get Nailed” car at the Food City on the Tri County Boulevard.
The Oliver Springs Police Department will serve as the host agency for a large-scale sobriety checkpoint this Memorial Day weekend, which will involve members from multiple police jurisdictions, along with THP and the Governors Highway Safety Office.
Smith said Anderson County will have an above-normal police presence during the holiday period and asked that all motorists be responsible.
“One fatality or one person injured is unacceptable when it comes to negligent driving,” Smith said.
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