Newsroom

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has provided extensive assistance to motorists across the state since the start of the winter storm, as ice, downed trees, and hazardous road conditions continue to impact travel.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) reminds Tennesseans to use caution and be prepared when traveling in inclement winter weather. With strong winds, snow and ice forecasted across the state, THP encourages drivers to limit unnecessary travel. If you must be on the road, please keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following these cold weather safety tips.

Tennessee recorded a significant decline in traffic fatalities in 2025, with 147 fewer roadway deaths than the previous year, according to year end data released by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The Tennessee Fatality Analysis Reporting System shows 1,045 traffic fatalities statewide in 2025, down from 1,194 in 2024, a reduction of approximately 14 percent.

On Dec. 17, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating class of Tennessee State Troopers. The department instructed a regular 17-week Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Academy that exceeded the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission requirements.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security released preliminary statistics recording 8 traffic fatalities during the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday travel period, matching the 8 fatalities recorded during the same period last year.

From Dec. 1 – 5, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is promoting Older Driver Safety Awareness Week to help reduce traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving older drivers across Tennessee roadways. The THSO is offering safe driving tips to help educate older drivers and their families about the heighten risks as drivers age.

Today, Commissioner Jeff Long of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry joined multiple law enforcement partners to announce the “Tennessee Safe Thanksgiving Travel Challenge Initiative.”

Deer season is in full swing across Tennessee, and not just for hunters. State troopers say it’s the time of year when drivers are most likely to encounter deer where they are not hunting them..in the middle of the highway.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is seeking the public's assistance in locating the driver responsible for an injury hit-and-run crash involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Greene County.

On Nov. 7, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating class of Tennessee State Troopers. The department conducted an 11-week lateral trooper cadet class, and the graduation took place at the TDOSHS Training Center in Nashville.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) urges everyone’s participation to make this a safe Halloween. The THP has plans for increased visibility and enforcement efforts over the Halloween weekend to ensure troopers are promoting a safe and happy holiday for all Tennesseans.

On Sept. 30, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Jeff Long and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Matt Perry welcomed the newest graduating classes of Tennessee State Troopers.

One year ago, Hurricane Helene brought devastating floods to East Tennessee. Lives were lost, families were displaced, and entire communities were tested. Earlier this year, the Department of Safety & Homeland Security shared a three-part video series to honor the first responders who put their lives on the line during the storm. On this anniversary, we remember the victims and reflect on the strength shown across our state.

As Child Passenger Safety Week is recognized nationwide this week, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is reminding families that car seats save lives. New crash data from the department shows toddlers under age 4 are 85 percent more likely to die or suffer serious injury in a crash if they are not properly restrained.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS) has been recognized with two international awards and multiple regional honors in the 2025 American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Awards Program. The recognition places Tennessee among the top public safety agencies across North America for innovation, service, and professionalism.