Today, the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Fall Branch District begins conducting Operation Safe Mile, a targeted traffic safety initiative focused on reducing hazardous driving and preventing serious crashes on Interstates and surrounding roadways near Interstate corridors.
This operation concentrates on Interstate 81 and Interstate 26, as well as nearby connecting roadways, where high speeds and aggressive driving increase crash risks. Troopers will focus on hazardous moving violations, including speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and impaired driving, among others, all of which are proven contributors to serious crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Crash data highlights the importance of this effort. In 2025, Sullivan County recorded 3,929 crashes, many of which occurred on Interstate highways and connecting State Highways.
Following the initial phase, enforcement efforts will rotate through the remaining Interstate counties within the Fall Branch District including Greene, Carter, Unicoi, Hamblen, Jefferson, and Cocke County. Operation Safe Mile aims to increase safe driving behaviors, reduce crashes, and save lives through high-visibility enforcement and public awareness.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol remains committed to keeping Tennessee’s roadways safe for all motorists.
