In an effort to combat a recent surge in traffic collisions, the Bristol Tennessee Police Department is stepping up traffic enforcement efforts and asking for the public to help by observing speed limits, buckling up, and avoiding cell phone use and other distractions while behind the wheel.
“Our department continually collects traffic data in an effort to understand trends and determine what we can do to make our community’s roadways safer,” said Police Chief Matt Austin. “We are confident that increased enforcement efforts, coupled with ongoing efforts by the public to observe traffic laws and adopt safe driving habits, will allow us to significantly reduce the of accidents and, ultimately, the number of those who are injured.”
Recent data indicates there were 1,173 crashes in Bristol Tennessee in 2021, which represents a 31.9 percent increase when compared to the previous three-year average of 889 traffic accidents. A total of 224 people were injured in these accidents. Additionally, four people were killed in traffic accidents in Bristol, Tennessee last year and there were eight accidents involving pedestrians.
To reduce the total number of crashes and guard against injuries when accidents do occur, the BTPD is reacting by immediately increasing enforcement efforts to ensure seatbelts and child safety seats are being properly used, motorists are complying with “Hands-Free” laws that prohibit the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, and that speed limits are being observed. Nationwide, speeding is a contributing factor in more than one-fourth of all traffic accidents, according to the Tennessee Highways Safety Office, because it can reduce a driver’s ability to negotiate curves and roadway obstacles, extend the time it takes to safely stop a vehicle, and hinder the ability of other drivers and pedestrians to accurately judge distance.
For additional information, please contact Captain Justin Bush at [email protected] or (423) 989-3453.
