Extra traffic enforcement on U.S. Highway 70

Sheriff’s deputies will join law enforcement officers throughout Tennessee to reduce traffic deaths and injuries during increased enforcement Tuesday and Friday on U.S. Highway 70 South across the state.

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office is sponsoring the second “Safe on Seventy” campaign to increase traffic enforcement across U.S. Highway 70 statewide.

“The THSO is pleased to launch ‘Safe on Seventy’ again this year,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “This is a new, strategic initiative designed to target one of Tennessee’s most problematic highways. We look forward to working with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Tennessee Department of Transportation and local law enforcement to decrease injury crashes and fatalities.”

Sheriff’s Cpl. Michael Rodgers said two deputies will concentrate on speeding drivers on U.S. Highway 70 South, especially on Manchester Highway and Broad Street between Murfreesboro and Smyrna.

“You never know where you might see law enforcement,” Rodgers said. “If you do a good job about paying attention to the speed, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.”

Rodgers and Lt. Kenneth Barrett will also join Dickson County officers with a checkpoint Friday.

U.S. Highway 70 stretches from West to East Tennessee spanning more than 500 miles statewide.

According to the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network Division, Tuesdays and Fridays between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. have been identified as high-crash periods on U.S. Highway 70.

Agencies participating in “Safe on Seventy” will collaborate during this time frame on Tuesday and Friday to combat distracted driving, aggressive driving, speeding and other high-risk driving behaviors. Participating agencies will also increase seat belt enforcement and commercial vehicle safety.

The THSO encourages the following safe driving behaviors.

• Buckle up and ensure all child passengers are properly restrained.
• Never drink and drive.
• Rest well prior to driving long distances.
• Avoid texting, social media use, video-chatting, and other forms of distracted driving.

For more information and safe driving tips, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.