Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today the Tennessee Highway Patrol plans increased enforcement in conjunction with Buckle-up America Week and the Memorial Day weekend in an effort to reduce fatalities on Tennessee roadways. Buckle-up America Week runs Monday, May 22 through Monday, May 29. The Memorial Day holiday weekend runs from Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 29.

"Memorial Day weekend is typically one of the busiest summer holidays on the roadways and we want to make sure everyone arrives at their destinations unhurt," said Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "This means drivers will see more State Troopers along roadways all across the state strictly enforcing the safety belt and child restraint laws, stopping speeders and arresting drunken drivers."

During the 2005 Memorial Day holiday weekend 20 people died on Tennessee roadways, up 54% from 13 deaths in 2004. That's a rate of one death every three hours, 54 minutes. Eight of the fatalities happened in automobile crashes. Of those eight, six, or 75%, were not wearing safety belts. Nine of the deaths, or 45%, occurred in alcohol related crashes.

"Too many people died on Tennessee roadways during the Memorial Day holiday last year, but what is even more troubling is the fact that 75 percent of those killed in automobile crashes were not wearing a safety belt," stated THP Colonel Mike Walker. "It's a fact: safety belts save lives, but only if you wear them. So, if you're traveling this Memorial Holiday, don't become our next statistic; buckle up, slow down and stay alert."

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will conduct increased patrols beginning May 22 targeting those who violate the safety belt and child restraint law and aggressive, negligent or drunk drivers across the state. The increased enforcement is made possible by grants provided by the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office.

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.