Nashville, Tennessee --- Aggressive driving can wreak havoc on the roads and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) intends to "Stop the H.A.R.M. - Hazardous, Aggressive and Reckless Motorists." Just in time for the Fourth of July holiday, THP is implementing a new enforcement program that targets drivers committing aggressive driving violations.

Beginning today and continuing through the Labor Day holiday, THP will operate "Stop the H.A.R.M." which focuses on the enforcement of the traffic laws commonly associated with aggressive driving including: DUI, reckless driving, speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and failure to obey traffic signals. THP will focus its enforcement efforts primarily on the Interstates and major highways, as well as other areas in the state known to have a high rate of aggressive driving.

"Aggressive driving has emerged as a real threat to the safety of motorists. That's why the Tennessee Highway Patrol is taking a hard stance against any motorist who demonstrates aggressive, dangerous activities while driving in our state," said Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips.

THP Colonel Lynn Pitts added, "Drivers should know any action on the road that endangers a person or property is considered aggressive driving. We're saturating the roads with Troopers throughout the entire length of the H.A.R.M. campaign in an effort to identify and stop violators who commit these aggressive behaviors."

THP is conducting multiple enforcement campaigns this Fourth of July holiday period, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July 2 and continues until midnight Sunday, July 4. In addition to the aggressive driving enforcement campaign, Troopers are active in the "100 Days of Summer HEAT," a nationwide campaign targeting speeding motorists, impaired drivers and those not buckled up properly.

During last year's Fourth of July holiday period there were 13 fatal crashes resulting in 13 deaths. Eight of the 13 killed were vehicle occupants and half of those were not wearing seat belts. All available Troopers will hit the roads this holiday weekend.

"The enforcement campaigns we're conducting are in an effort to reduce the overall number of crashes and fatalities on Tennessee's roadways, added Colonel Pitts. "We won't stop when the Fourth of July holiday weekend is over either. All summer long, and in each of the state's 95 counties, Troopers will make a concerted effort to stop aggressive and harmful driving activities."

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.