The Tennessee Highway Patrol announced a decline in traffic fatalities during this year’s 4th of July holiday period. Early estimates indicate seven people were killed in traffic crashes across the state during the 96-hour holiday – a decrease from the 19 vehicular deaths during the 2013 4th of July period.
This year’s holiday vehicular fatalities included five vehicle occupants and two motorcyclists. Three of the victims (60%) were not wearing seat belts and one of the fatalities was alcohol-related.
State troopers arrested 119 individuals on suspicion of DUI and issued 1,414 seat belt citations during the 96-hour holiday period.
If this year’s preliminary figures stand, it would rank as one of the lowest number of traffic deaths during the 4th of July holiday period on record.
The highest number of vehicular fatalities occurred during the July 4th holiday period in 1996. Twenty-seven people died in traffic crashes that year.
Preliminary statistical data for 2014 4th of July holiday period is attached. Please note that the statistical data for the July 4th holiday weekend is preliminary and is subject to change due to some delays in reporting.