Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today that preliminary reports indicate eight people were killed on Tennessee roadways over the 2008 Labor Day holiday, compared to 17 fatalities last year. The 2008 Labor Day holiday period started at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, August 29, 2008, and ran through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2008.

During the 78-hour holiday period, there were six fatal crashes, resulting in eight deaths. Four were single vehicle crashes, and two involved multiple vehicles. One of the fatalities occurred in an alcohol-related crash, which is a major drop from 2007. Last year, seven (41%) of the 17 fatalities occurred in crashes where alcohol was involved.

This year, three of the victims were motorcyclists. This is an increase from last year, when one motorcyclist was killed during the long holiday weekend.

The THP participated in numerous special enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities during the Labor Day weekend, including more than 80 driver license and sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and speed enforcement.

A complete list of the 2008 preliminary Labor Day Holiday Statistics and 2007 Statistics are also attached.

Preliminary 2008 Labor Day Holiday Fatalities
2008 Labor Day Enforcement Activity
2007 Labor Day Holiday Fatalities

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.