Preliminary Report Indicates Record Low in Labor Day Fatalities
Tuesday, September 07, 2010 | 11:14am
Updated Statistical Data Attached
NASHVILLE --- Preliminary reports released by the Tennessee Department of Safety indicate three people were killed in three fatal crashes on state roadways during the 2010 Labor Day holiday weekend, which could potentially stand as the lowest number of fatalities on record since the six fatalities during the Labor Day period in 1962. This year’s preliminary number also indicates a drop from nine fatalities in nine fatal crashes last year. The 2010 Labor Day holiday period started at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 3, 2010, and ran through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 6, 2010.
During the 78-hour holiday period, all three fatal crashes were in single vehicle crashes. Two of the fatalities occurred in alcohol-related crashes. The three fatalities included one vehicle occupant who was not wearing safety restraints in Greene County, one motorcyclist in Sevier County who was wearing a helmet and one pedestrian in Shelby County.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted more than 70 driver license and sobriety checkpoints throughout the state during this past holiday weekend. The THP also teamed up with local law enforcement to conduct simultaneous saturation patrols on interstates and highways.
The highest number of people killed in Tennessee during a Labor Day holiday weekend occurred in 1974 when 27 people died in crashes during a 78-hour holiday period.
Please note that the statistical data for the Labor Day holiday weekend and 2010 data are preliminary and are subject to change due to some delays in reporting. In 2010, preliminary statistics indicate 675 people have died on Tennessee roadways, an increase of 8 deaths compared to 667 fatalities at this same time in 2009.
A complete list of the 2010 preliminary Labor Day Holiday Statistics is attached.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is 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.