WBBJ TV
January 26, 2021
JACKSON, Tenn. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Patrol for a new social media campaign to raise awareness about increasing numbers of deaths on Tennessee highways.
“Simple things that everybody can do to just take responsibility and understand that it’s not okay for these deaths to be occurring,” said Nichole Lawrence, community relations officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation region four.
TDOT says, overall, fewer drivers were on the road last year, but the state still shows an almost seven percent increase in fatalities over 2019.
“People seem to be more interested in what’s in their hand or in the vehicle than what’s in front of them,” Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Jena Eubanks said. “I use the five second rule. It takes less than five seconds put your seat belt on, put your phone away, and those two things right there can really make the difference.”