Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is intensifying its enforcement efforts aimed at aggressive drivers this summer with the launch of the "100 Days of Summer HEAT" enforcement campaign. All summer long Troopers statewide will put the brakes on speeding motorists, impaired drivers and those not buckled up properly.

"100 Days of Summer HEAT" will take place June 18-20, July 2-4 and August 5-7. The initiative is an effort to reduce the number of fatal crashes on Tennessee's highways by targeting drivers with dangerous habits that put themselves and others at risk when traveling.

"There were more than 1,100 fatalities on Tennessee's roadways last year," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "Obeying the speed limit, buckling up and driving sober unquestionably saves lives. That's why we're mounting, and continuing, this highly visible enforcement campaign throughout the entire summer."

Troopers in all 95 counties across the state will participate in the "Summer HEAT" enforcement campaign, which will include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. High visibility enforcement is effective in helping save lives and prevent injuries in automobile crashes.

"The goal of Summer HEAT is to simply save the lives," said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "With Troopers aggressively enforcing the rules of the road, we intend to stress the importance of practicing safe driving habits every time you climb behind the wheel of a car."

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.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.