Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign Takes Place In Cookeville

The Upper Cumberland region had 67 distracted driving crashes occur in 2017.

That according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Captain R.C. Christian, who said three fatalities occurred as a result of those crashes and 48 injuries.

“To us in law enforcement, it’s very real. It’s very real because now we’re seeing the effects of how it’s taking peoples lives,” Christian said. “Anything that takes peoples lives is something that’s of great attention to us. We look at that and I would be amiss if I didn’t always mention the issue of wearing your seat belt.”

Christian speaking in Cookeville Wednesday as part of the third statewide distracted driving enforcement bus tour. The initiative supports Tennessee’s mission to Drive to Zero, a multi-agency collaboration to decrease traffic fatalities statewide.

Christian said the the THP has had to adjust their practices because of an increase in distracted driving.

“We are so hungry for our electronic devices that people are constantly looking at that and it’s just really a part of life,” Christian said. “We have a heightened awareness to that and are very reactive to that as well.”

It’s more than just using electronic devices while driving, He said. Christian has also seen people driving and eating at the same time and even reading and putting on makeup.

Wednesday, the THP provided multiple unmarked passenger vehicles to transport various law enforcement partners. Officers riding inside the vehicles communicated to ground units after observing traffic violations to initiate the execution of enforcement action.

“Last year, THP provided two large, black and tan buses marked with THP logos to help promote awareness for the initiative,” said Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Vic Donoho. “This year, we’re shifting focus more on the effectiveness of the enforcement efforts. This means utilizing additional passenger vehicles capable of traveling more efficiently on the highways.”

Statistics from Wednesday’s distracted driving enforcement campaign will be released in the near future.