Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is sending a message to motorists traveling this summer - obey the rules of the road or be prepared for the HEAT.

THP is once again conducting the "100 Days of Summer HEAT" enforcement blitz this weekend, August 6-8. In addition to the focus on speeding motorists, impaired drivers and those not buckled up properly, Troopers will also aggressively patrol the work zones located throughout the state.

Last year in Tennessee, there were more than 5,919 work zone crashes resulting in 29 fatalities. National statistics show that work zone crashes tend to occur more frequently in the summer months. To bring added attention to the importance of work zone safety, the Governor's Highway Safety office has produced a series of radio public service announcements.

"Raising motorists' awareness of the deadly consequences that are a result of not following the rules of the road is the goal of Summer HEAT," said Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "Work zone crashes have increased 67 percent in Tennessee during the past three years. It's imperative, to both motorists and worker safety, that caution be exercised when traveling through a work zone."

To date, the "100 Days of Summer HEAT" campaign, made possible by a grant from the Governor's Highway Safety Office, has made a substantial impact on Tennessee's roadways. During the two previous Summer HEAT enforcement blitzes in June and July, Troopers issued a total of 19,786 citations and written warnings to drivers. More specifically, Troopers removed nearly one drunk driver per hour from the road and stopped nearly 10,000 speeding motorists.

"Speed and alcohol are two of the most dangerous contributing factors in fatal crashes. In addition to the work zone patrols, Troopers will continue to target speeding and drunk drivers who are putting themselves and others at risk," said Colonel Pitts.

Colonel Pitts added, "Buckling up is not only your best defense against injury in a crash, it's the law. Troopers will continue to enforce the occupant protection laws that took effect July 1."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.