Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol's (THP) stepped up enforcement during the "100 Days of Summer HEAT" is making a substantial impact on Tennessee's roadways. During the two Summer HEAT enforcement blitz periods already conducted, Troopers have issued a total of 19,786 citations and written warnings to drivers who have disregarded the rules of the road.

"While "100 Days of Summer HEAT" focuses on all road violations, THP is placing a special emphasis on speed and alcohol enforcement-two primary killers on the highways during the summer months," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips.

More than 10,000 moving citations have been issued during the Summer HEAT enforcement blitz. A vast majority, or 92 percent, were issued to speeding motorists. In addition, THP removed nearly one drunk driver per hour from the road during the two enforcement blitzes.

Preliminary numbers show that 500 vehicle occupants have died on Tennessee's roadways this year. Sixty-five percent of those were not wearing seat belts or were not properly restrained in a child restraint system. On July 1, Tennessee's primary seat belt law and changes in the child restraint law took effect. Violating these laws are a primary offense, meaning a law enforcement officer can cite a driver for that violation alone.

"Buckling up has been the law in Tennessee for years. The reason is simple - seat belts save lives," said THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "The changes in Tennessee's occupant protection laws are about the increasing safety for everyone on the roads. And the Tennessee Highway Patrol is stringently enforcing these new laws in order to save lives."

During the Summer HEAT enforcement campaign, THP has issued a combined total of 1,678 citations for seat belt and child restraint violations alone.

Summer HEAT enforcement activities also target commercial drivers. Almost 600 inspections have been conducted during the campaign with 106 drivers and vehicles placed out of service for violations discovered during the inspections.

The "100 Days of Summer HEAT" enforcement campaign continues. Troopers will again step up enforcement during the weekend of August 6 - 8 in all 95 counties.

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.