With the summer travel season in full swing, the Johnson City Police Department is sharing a progress update on “A Safer Drive in ’25” – a traffic safety initiative launched this year in partnership with the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The campaign, which launched January 26, focuses on reducing crashes, encouraging safer driving behavior, and saving lives.
As of June 9, JCPD officers and THP troopers have made 2,067 traffic stops, issued 1,381 citations, and given 668 warnings. Officers have responded to 176 crashes during the same period.
While crash numbers have risen compared to the same period in 2024 (up from 136), fatal crashes have declined from one in 2024 to zero in 2025.
“Crashes are up this year, but we are grateful to report no lives have been lost on I-26 this year,” said JCPD Chief Billy Church. “We cannot ignore the upward trend in overall crashes, and that is why “A Safer Drive in ’25” remains a priority.”
By the numbers: Jan. 26 – June 9 (JCPD and THP)
• Traffic stops:
2025 – 2,067
2024 – 2,539
• Citations Issued:
2025 – 1,381
2024 – 1,530
• Total crashes:
2025 – 176
2024 – 136
• Fatal Crashes:
2025 – 0
2024 – 1
The mission of “A Safer Drive in ’25” goes beyond enforcement. It is also about making drivers more aware of how their behavior behind the wheel affects not just themselves, but also everyone else on the road.
“Speeding and distracted driving are the two biggest issues we’re seeing, and they are two of the easiest to fix,” said Master Police Officer Nick Lyons, who oversees the initiative. “The most powerful safety tool we have is the driver. When drivers slow down, pay attention, and follow the rules of the road, lives are saved, and that is the overall mission of the campaign.”
Whether it’s a quick commute or a long-distance road trip, the JCPD urges drivers to make safety a priority every time they get behind the wheel. Always buckle up, obey the posted speed limits, and drive without distractions. The JCPD will continue working alongside the THP to reduce risks on the road and help make travel safer for everyone.
