Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today that the Tennessee Highway Patrol will conduct increased enforcement this Independence Day weekend in order to save lives and keep roads safe during this 102-hour long holiday. This year's July 4 holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, June 30 and lasts through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, July 4.

"America 's independence is certainly a cause for celebration, but we want everyone to celebrate safely," stated Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "If you're going to be drinking this holiday, don't become a statistic. Choose a designated driver."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Fourth of July is the second most deadly holiday period of the year-just behind New Year's. During the 2005 Independence Day holiday, four of the 11 fatalities on Tennessee roadways occurred in alcohol related crashes.

"Don't let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Drunk driving is a serious crime, and we will be out in force on the look out for drunk drivers," said THP Colonel Mike Walker. "Our message is simple: drunk driving is a crime. If we catch you driving while under the influence, we will place you under arrest.  No exceptions. No excuses."

The THP is also still engaged in "100 Days of Summer Heat" activities, which stress seat belt usage and the proper restraint of child passengers. Increased enforcement is provided in part through grants from the Governor's Highway Safety Office.

During the July 4, 2005 holiday weekend, 11 people died in crashes on Tennessee roads. That's a fatality rate of one death per seven hours, five minutes during the 72-hour holiday period. Of the eight vehicle occupants killed, 50% were not wearing safety restraints.

Click here for detailed statistical information for last year's July 4 th holiday period and THP Sobriety and Driver License checkpoints appears on the following two (2) pages.

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.