{"id":350,"date":"2021-10-15T13:02:25","date_gmt":"2021-10-15T18:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coopertownpd.org\/cpdwp\/?p=350"},"modified":"2021-10-15T13:02:28","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T18:02:28","slug":"slow-down-tennessee-initiative-aims-to-save-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coopertownpd.org\/cpdwp\/2021\/10\/15\/slow-down-tennessee-initiative-aims-to-save-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Slow Down Tennessee Initiative Aims To Save Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Coopertown, Tennessee<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Friday, October 15, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) launched its speeding prevention campaign called \u201cSlow Down Tennessee\u201d in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), AAA \u2013 The Auto Club Group, the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and local law enforcement agencies. From October 15 \u2013 29, Coopertown Police Department and numerous other law enforcement agencies across Tennessee will increase public education and enforcement efforts to reduce speeding-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities statewide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe initial launch of \u2018Slow Down Tennessee\u2019 in April made a tremendous impact on local communities,\u201d said Director Buddy Lewis of the THSO. \u201cDuring National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 17 \u2013 23, the THSO and partners will emphasize teen safety while promoting the \u2018Slow Down Tennessee\u2019 campaign. This effort will include a stronger grassroots effort than before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration<\/a> (NHTSA), there were 2,042 traffic fatalities nationwide involving a teen driver (age 15 to 18 years old) in 2019. According to Tennessee\u2019s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network<\/a>, there were 100 traffic fatalities statewide involving a teen driver (age 13 to 19 years old) in 2019. For a county-by-county breakdown of Tennessee traffic crashes involving speeding teen drivers (age 13 to 19) from 2016 to 2021, visit   https:\/\/bit.ly\/3aniOEa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeen drivers tend to speed and engage in aggressive driving behaviors because they feel overly confident behind the wheel,\u201d said Tennessee Regional Manager Gavin Gill of SADD. \u201cLack of experience puts them at a higher risk of making unsafe choices. SADD is joining the grassroots efforts of \u2018Slow Down Tennessee\u2019 to increase SADD chapters statewide, reach more young drivers, and help prepare them for the roadway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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