Nashville, Tennessee --- The Department of Safety announced today that 11 people lost their lives as a result of 11 fatal crashes on Tennessee roadways during the August 31 – September 3, 2007 Labor Day holiday weekend. The total compares to 18 deaths in 15 fatal crashes over the 2006 Labor Day weekend. Both were 78-hour holiday periods.

Of the 11 fatal crashes handled by THP, seven victims were not wearing a safety belt. Three of the fatalities occurred in alcohol-related crashes, down from six in 2006.

The THP participated in numerous special enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities during the Labor Day weekend, including driver license and sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and speed enforcement.

A complete list of the 2007 preliminary Labor Day Holiday Statistics and 2006 Statistics are also attached.

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.