Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is preparing for the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend with increased enforcement activities. Troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and heavily patrol various locations statewide throughout the official 102-hour holiday period, which begins at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 24 and runs through Sunday, November 28.

THP reminds motorists that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is traditionally one of the busiest on the roadways. With more traffic, the risk of crashes and injuries increase. During the 2003 holiday weekend, a total of 17 individuals lost their life as a result of a motor vehicle crash - that equates to one death every six hours.

"Before you get in your vehicle to travel to your Thanksgiving celebration, remember to protect yourself and your family. Slow down, buckle up and never drink and drive. These simple actions save lives," said Tennessee Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips.

THP's increased enforcement efforts are part of a nationwide traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which targets three leading factors in fatal crashes: speeding, impaired driving and failure to use safety restraint devices.

"Enforcement is critical to making the roads safer for everyone, but it's not the only element in saving lives," added THP Colonel Lynn Pitts. "Help us eliminate any aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding and impaired driving, by reporting unsafe drivers to THP."

Motorists can help Troopers keep the roads safe by reporting erratic drivers to the THP hotline. Simply call *THP (*847) from any cell phone and you'll be connected to the nearest dispatch center. Callers may remain anonymous and should provide a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number, if possible.

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.