Troopers to be posted every 10 to 20 miles statewide for Tennessee Interstate Challenge

Multiple law enforcement agencies will partner this week for a traffic enforcement initiative called the Tennessee Interstate Challenge.

Starting on November 23 and lasting through the holiday weekend, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will take part in the Tennessee Interstate Challenge.

As part of the initiative, THP will increase patrols by “placing troopers every 10 — 20 miles on all Tennessee interstates” throughout the state. THP is also challenging Tennessee sheriffs and local police to participate in the traffic crackdown.

The purpose of the traffic enforcement effort is to reduce crashes during the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

THP Colonel Matt Perry is calling for “strict tolerance for traffic violations” for participating law enforcement officers.

THP will also increase patrols on secondary roadways “to support local law enforcement partners that do not have an interstate system running through their jurisdictions.”

“This week many people are traveling across Tennessee to celebrate and give thanks with their loved ones,” said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSOHS) Commissioner Jeff Long. “With the Tennessee Interstate Challenge, we are working to prevent crashes and help everyone get home safely.”

“The benefits of this traffic enforcement effort from previous years are immeasurable,” said Colonel Perry. “For example, we can’t know how many lives were saved because a trooper stopped a speeding, distracted, or impaired driver. What we do know is that when we stop hazardous drivers, it makes an immediate positive impact on traffic safety. One fatality is too many. I feel that the Tennessee Interstate Challenge will be successful in helping us accomplish our goal of no fatal crashes.”