Nashville, Tennessee --- The 2004 Thanksgiving holiday proved safer than last year's holiday for Tennessee motorists.

Preliminary figures from the Tennessee Department of Safety (TDOS) reveal 10 people were killed as a result of motor vehicle crashes, as opposed to 17 during the same period in 2003. None of the 10 fatalities occurred in crashes where alcohol was involved.

"The Tennessee Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies statewide remained vigilant throughout the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday period," said TDOS Commissioner Fred Phillips. "It appears that motorists heeded our message about not drinking and driving - and for that we're all thankful."

Two of the 10 persons killed this Thanksgiving holiday were pedestrians. Of the eight motor vehicle occupants killed, five persons, or 62.5 percent, were not wearing a seat belt.

The nine fatal crashes occurred in Bradley, Claiborne, Henry, Jefferson, Madison, Marion, Robertson, Tipton and Williamson counties. Six were single-vehicle crashes and three were multiple vehicle crashes.

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.