Nashville, Tennessee --- Preliminary figures from the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) reveal that two people died in two separate motor vehicle crashes on Tennessee's roadways during the official New Year's holiday weekend.

The preliminary information indicates that both of the motor vehicle occupants failed to wear safety restraints and that alcohol may have been a factor in both crashes. The two fatal crashes occurred in McMinn and Obion counties.

The official 2004-2005 New Year's holiday period began at 6 p.m. Friday, December 31, 2004 and continued until midnight Sunday, January 2, 2005. It was a 54-hour holiday period.

The number of fatalities for last year's 102-hour New Year's holiday period was 23.

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.